Keeping Covid at a distance

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Let's keep Covid away!

Mask mandates are being lifted in most states due to the downswing in Covid cases overall in the US.

As life begins to go back to normal, this is a reminder to us that we can take precautions to prevent the spread of Covid in the future by following the CDC recommendations.

Not all storms come in the form of a weather related disaster; some storms can't be seen. But; they can still be prepared for.

The CDC is still striving to continuously gather data and information in an attempt to give us the most current information available.

Pandemics are something most of us have not had to deal with in our lifetime but are something that we have seen before.

A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spans several countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics are most often caused by viruses, like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can easily spread from person to person.

A new virus, like COVID-19, can emerge from anywhere and quickly spread around the world. It is hard to predict when or where the next new pandemic will emerge.

According to the CDC, if a pandemic is declared, there are some basic steps to follow.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Keep a distance of at least six feet between yourself and people who are not part of your household.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when in public
• Clean and disinfect high-touch objects and surfaces.
• Stay at home as much as possible to prevent the spread of disease.

Follow the guidance of the CDC

How to Prepare Yourself for a Pandemic

In addition to what we have already learned during the Covid outbreak, following the recommendations below can save you time and allow you to focus on what's important.

Learn how diseases spread to help protect yourself and others. Viruses can be spread from person to person, from a non-living object to a person and by people who are infected but don’t have any symptoms.

Prepare for the possibility of schools, workplaces and community centers being closed. Investigate and prepare for virtual coordination for school, work (telework) and social activities.

Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days or weeks. Supplies may include cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, prescriptions and bottled water. Buy supplies slowly to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to buy what they need.

Create an emergency plan so that you and your family know what to do and what you will need in case an outbreak happens. Consider how a pandemic may affect your plans for other emergencies.

Review your health insurance policies to understand what they cover, including telemedicine options.

Create password-protected digital copies of important documents and store in a safe place. Watch out for scams and fraud.

Preparation is key to any disaster or storm and we've covered what you can do to be as prepared as you can be. The CDC offers much information on how you can keep yourself safe during and after a pandemic.

Staying safe and prepared for ANY disaster is the SERVPRO way!

Which Fire Extinguisher should I use?

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

Do you know how to put this fire out?

Know your fire types so that you can be prepared.

Not all fires are the same and that means not all fires are handled the same. For example, you would never want to throw water onto a grease fire. Learning about fire, can save your life.

Let's take a look at the different types of fires and their classification.

Fire Classes:

Class A: Ordinary Combustibles

• Wood
• Paper
• Cloth
• Trash
• Other ordinary materials

Class B: Flammable Liquids

• Gasoline
• Paints
• Oils
• Grease
• Other flammable Liquids

Class C: Electrical Equipment

• Wiring
• Fuse Box

Class D: Combustible Metals

• Combustible metal and metal alloys such as Aluminum and Magnesium.

Class K: Combustible Cooking

• Cooking Vessels
• Vegetable oils
• Animal Fats
• kitchen fires

Now that we have learned about the different types and classifications of fire, Let's find out which extinguisher is appropriate for each fire type.

There are a few different types of fire extinguishers available and each serves it's own purpose.

Types of extinguishers:

Water: This extinguisher is for use on Class A fires.

This type is used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel fires. 

Foam: This extinguisher is for use on Class A and B fires.

• This type can be used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel fires. This type is used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel fires.

Powder: This extinguisher is for use on Class A,B,C,D and Electrical.

• This type is used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel fires.
• This type can also be used on flammable liquids, Flammable Metals, Flammable Gases and Electrical.

CO2:This extinguisher is for use on Class B and Electrical fires.

• This type is used on Flammable Liquids and Electrical fires.

Wet Chemical: This extinguisher is for use on Class A and K fires.

• This type is used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel fires 
• Cooking Oil fires such as a deep fat fryer.

Fires spread quick and can be deadly!

Knowing what type of fire extinguisher to use and having it readily available can make all the difference in the world.

If you have any questions about fire remediation or just want to learn more about fire prevention; give us a call at 603-298-6942 or visit our website for blogs and more.

Commercial Duct Work Cleaning

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Is your duct work dirty?

Is my duct work dirty? Should I have it checked?

The ventilation system within your commercial space is key to your air quality.

Estimates made by the World Health Organization say that poor indoor air quality cost $60 Billion in employee sick leave and lost production.

Poor air quality can spread illness, cause respiratory irritation, and cause employees to feel drowsy or apathetic. In some cases, it can spread illness and cause employees to become sick frequently.

You don’t want to keep the air in your commercial space too dry nor too humid. Both ends of the humidity spectrum cause health issues and can make your staff uncomfortable. Instead, try to keep the humidity level in your building between 40 and 50 percent.

The ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Inspecting the ductwork must be a high priority.

In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your office building.

Another problem that affects ductwork in commercial businesses is when input and output vents become blocked by boxes, equipment, furniture or dust. This reduces the free flow of air through ducting systems and, by association, reduces air circulation throughout the entire commercial building.

Part of your responsibility to the tenants, workers, and/or students who work and play in your buildings includes proper maintenance and prompt response to any situation that could cause illness or health concerns.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton can help:

• Remediate bacteria, fungi and mold
• Reduce potential for mold growth
• Restore peak energy efficiency
• Eliminate offensive odors

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork. This inspection can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

To schedule a duct cleaning or inspection call 603-298-6942.

Like it never even happened

Commercial flooding

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

local businesses suffer from flooding

2022 has been a wet one.

Between the rain and snow storms, now the snow melting; we have been inundated with water losses.

Spring has sprung and local businesses have been dealing with one water loss after another.

What are some of the things that SERVPRO can do when my business suffers storm damage?

Flooded business dry Out:

• Pump Deep Water
• Carpet Water removal
• Moisture Test walls
• Set up Drying Equipment
• Apply Antimicrobials
• Test Drying Complete

Acting quickly is key!

Leaving water or moisture can cause damage to the rest of the structure as well as where the damage occurred. Imagine the condensation that could happen when it's 90* outside.

The concrete or cement blocks used to construct basements and buildings are susceptible to mold growth as well as odor.

Imagine all of the exposed framing. Framing lumber does and will absorb moisture and thus, grow mold. The metal framing ties may not be porous enough for mold growth; but they will corrode.

How about the plumbing and wiring?

Again, any metal parts can and most likely will corrode with excess moisture in the air.

The insulation! Perfect for mold growth!

SERVPRO of Lebanon / Hanover / Littleton has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies.

Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

If you have a flooding situation, SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton are prepared and ready! Call 603-298-6942 24hours a day, 365 days a year!

"Like it never even happened."

Flash Flooding in the Upper Valley

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

Be prepared for flash flooding

The Summer months are not that far away and it got me thinking about warm weather preparedness..

We think about vacations, going to the beach and just enjoying the hazy days of Summer. We are lucky in the Upper Valley that we don't often have to deal with damaging storms that other parts of the country do.

The Upper Valley has been unfortunate enough to have been stricken with drought conditions and sudden heavy rains the past couple of Summers leading to flash flooding, locally in the Lebanon area where numerous roads were washed away leaving some stranded until the roads could be repaired.

Preparation for the Summer months is just as important as preparing for the Winter months.

So, what can we do to prepare for flooding and sudden Summer storms?

According to ReadyGov flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry and floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.

Floods can result from rain, snow ,storms surges and more, floods can develop slowly or quickly. Flash floods come with no warning.

If you are under a flood warning you should find shelter immediately and NEVER drive through or walk through flood waters,6 inches of water can knock you down and 1 foot of water can sweep away your vehicle.

Having the necessary supplies at home is important if you find yourself living on a washed out road and without electricity as we did in Lebanon Two years in a row.

Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, medications and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.

For information on how you can receive alerts, follow this helpful link: Alerts

Stay safe during the Summer months and remember that SERVPRO is just a phone call if you need us! 603-298-6942 #stayprepared

Children and Youth Preparedness

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Children and Youth Preparedness for disasters and emergencies of all kinds.

Preparing for a disaster as an adult can be overwhelming and taxing, especially if you have children to factor into all of your decisions.

If you plan ahead, you can involve your children in all of the steps that need to be taken. The more prepared your child is, the less anxiety they will feel if an emergency or disaster occurs.

Let's start with the basics

• Teach your child how to dial 911 BEFORE an emergency and show your child the steps for calling 911 on your mobile phone.
• Make sure your child can say his/her first and last name clearly and provide his/her address or location.
• Teach your child to identify a location by buildings, signs or other landmarks. Some 911 centers cannot automatically locate a caller.
• Most of us now have cell phones with us wherever we go, which is great in an emergency situation ,but ,most of us have lock screens on our phones for security, as we should. It's important to teach your children how to unlock your phone in the case of an emergency.
• Go over your mobile phone's keypad several times to help your child become familiar with making a call.
• Have your child practice making a phone call from your mobile phone by calling a family member or friend. Remember not to actually call 911 with your child, unless it's an emergency.

Having people set up as your "emergency contact" is very important. Who’s your emergency contact? Make sure the kids know who it is and how to contact them. Pick the same person for each family member to contact. Pick someone out of town as they may be easier to reach in a disaster.

Make an emergency plan with your family and make sure that your emergency contact and school know the plan in case your child is in school when a disaster occurs.

Things to consider when making a plan

• Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.
• Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated.
• Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Practice, practice, practice!

Have an emergency kit ready for your child. Include medications that your child takes as well as some comfort items such as stuffed animals, board games and books.

Get kids involved in building their own emergency kit! Make it a family activity or part of a game and explain how the kit and the items in it will help them.

For a more detailed list of items that should go in your kit, follow this helpful link: Build A Kit

Let's stay prepared! 

#YouthPrep #ReadyKids

Winter Storm Preparedness 2.0

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

#wintersafety #winterstorm

Winter has most definitely arrived in the Upper Valley! The snow is falling and the temps have dropped. 

This got me thinking about preparedness in 2022!

Things have changed in recent years and we are all living in a different reality, let's take a look at how this will affect or change the things we need to take care of ourselves and our loved ones during the Winter months..

What you should know about Winter Weather.

• Know what to do before, during, and after a winter storm.
• Listen to local officials.
• Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in the car.
• Stay off the road during and after a winter storm. Allow the plow trucks to do their work.
• Have a carbon monoxide alarm in place, especially if using alternative heating devices.
• Use safe heating devices.

Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms including blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds.

A winter storm can:

• Last a few hours or several days.
• Cut off heat, power and communication services.
• Put older adults, children, sick individuals and pets at greater risk.

Preparing your home for Winters arrival is important.

• Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping.
• Learn how to keep pipes from freezing in your home.
• Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
• Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power.
• Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication and don't forget masks..
• Remember the needs of your pets.
• Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.

If you are unable to afford your heating costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the LIHEAP for help.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.

In case of an emergency

Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work and in your car. Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas.

**If you are able to, set aside items like soap, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, disinfecting wipes, and general household cleaning supplies that you can use to disinfect surfaces you touch regularly.

Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.

Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.

#WinterSafety #WinterStorm

Pets and Disasters

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

Prepare Your Pets for Disasters

Our pets are an important part of our families and we need to take them into consideration when we are planning for disasters.

When preparing for the unexpected, follow these helpful tips to keep your companions safe.

Make a plan

Having a plan in place for your pets will eliminate unneeded stress at a time when calm is needed.

Things that should be included in your plan:

• Have an evacuation plan for your pet. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Know a safe place where you can take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen.
• Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
• Have your pet microchipped. Make sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include contact information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
• Contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get additional advice and information if you’re unsure how to care for your pet in case of an emergency.

Build a Kit for Your Pet

Some items that you may want to include in your emergency kit:

• Food. Keep several days’ supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
• Water. Store a water bowl and several days’ supply of water.
• Medicine. Keep an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
• First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
• Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag. Have copies of your pet’s registration information and other relevant documents in a waterproof container and available electronically.
• Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.
• Grooming items. Pet shampoo, conditioner and other items, in case your pet needs some cleaning up.
• Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box (if appropriate), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
• A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet.
• Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

Tips for Large Animals

If you have pets such as horses, goats or pigs on your property, be sure to prepare before a disaster.

In addition to the tips above, you may want to consider these for your larger animals:

• Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
• Evacuate animals earlier, whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
• Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.
• Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.
• If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to a barn or turn them loose outside.
• Always listen to local officials and wireless emergency alerts and ALWAYS bring your pets indoors at the first warning of a storm or disaster.

For more tips contact SERVPRO at 603-298-6942 or visit https://www.ready.gov/pets.

Holiday Safety facts 2.0

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Holiday Safety

The holidays are so much fun, especially for the kids!

Gathering with family, wrapping presents, putting up the tree, the smells of delicious foods and treats abound. We ALL want a safe holiday season and here are some facts to keep you having fun throughout the whole holiday season.

Did you know that electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in almost half of home Christmas tree fires?

According to NFPA

Nearly one in five Christmas tree fires were started by decorative lights. Eight percent were started by candles.

Roughly two of every five home Christmas tree fires started in the living room.

Christmas tree & decoration fires

Carefully decorating your home can help make your holidays safer. Between 2015-2019, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 790 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees.

As Christmas trees dry out, they become more and more flammable. Thirty percent of Christmas tree fires were in January. Although Christmas tree fires are not common, they can grow very fast.

U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 790 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees, in 2015-2019. These fires caused an annual average of one civilian fire death, 26 civilian fire injuries and $13 million in direct property damage.

Year-round, more than one-third of home decoration fires were started by candles. Cooking started 19 percent of decoration fires, 12 percent involved electrical distribution and lighting equipment, heating equipment was involved in 11 percent, 8 percent were intentionally set, and smoking materials started 7 percent.

Candles

Between 2015-2019, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,400 home fires that were started by candles. These fires caused an average of 90 civilian deaths, 670 civilian injuries and $291 million in direct property damage.

On average, 20 home candle fires were reported each day between 2015-2019.

Candle fires peak in December and January with 11 percent of candle fires in each of these months.

Christmas is the peak day for candle fires with roughly 2.5 times the daily average.

Holiday cooking

Cooking equipment was involved in one of every five (19%) of home decoration fires.

This can happen when a decoration is left on or too close to a stove or other cooking equipment.

In 2019, the three leading dates for home structure fires caused by cooking were, Thanksgiving, Christmas day and Christmas Eve.

For more information on how to keep your family safe in the kitchen this holiday season, follow this informative link: Cooking Safety

For more fire tips and tricks, visit our SERVPRO fire blogs at Fire Safety

"Like it never even happened."

Ice dams and their prevention

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

Winter sure is closing in here in the northeast! The temperatures are dropping and the frost covers everything at the start of every day.

If you haven't begun your preparations for the Winter season, now, is a perfect time to get started!

This is the time to be extra vigilant when it comes to ice dams at your home or business. 

It's all about that roof!

Ice dams occur after a heavy snowfall when warm air in the attic causes the roof to warm and the snow to melt. Water running down the roof refreezes when it reaches the colder roof edge, forming a mound of ice.

The ice traps melt water, which can seep back up under shingles and drip through the roof into your house, causing wet and stained ceilings and walls, and peeling paint and rot.

The easiest way to prevent ice dams is by keeping your roof cold. This means never letting your roof temperature exceed 32 degrees. At 32 degrees, snow starts melting.

Most home and businesses heat loss is through the roof and air leaks caused by unblocked walls, gaps in drywall, and cracks around light fixtures, plumbing pipes, chimneys or heating vents.

Leaks can be very difficult to take care of because that requires that you roll back or rake your insulation back to find and block leaks. Typically using a foam or another method of caulking.

Proper insulation is imperative. You will want to start by making sure to measure your insulation. Building codes require about 12 to 14 in. of fiberglass or cellulose. Add more if you have less than 8 in. and have had ice dam problems in the past.

Blown-in cellulose and fiberglass are usually better than hand-placed batts, because they fill more tightly around rafters, joists and other obstructions, leaving fewer gaps. 

Ventilation is important for keeping your roof cold.

Keep the roof cold to minimize ice dams. Upgrade attic insulation to about R-40, plug up air leaks to the attic and improve attic ventilation.

A cold roof isn’t always a perfect solution. During winters with heavy snowfall, you may get ice dams anyway.

Ice dams may consistently form at the foot of roof valleys (the junction where two roofs meet at a right angle), because they fill with windblown snow. And some sections of the roof may be impossible to keep cold. That’s when you have to call on secondary strategies to prevent ice dam damage.

The very first thing that you can do is to make sure the snow is removed from your roof after a heavy snowfall as soon as possible, the longer the snow sits and compacts down, the harder it will be to remove it.

Flash around the chimney

A lot of local small businesses in our area are older renovated homes, where chimneys are prevalent.

Bridge the gap between chimney and house framing with L-shaped steel flashing held in place with unbroken beads of a fire-stop sealant.

Using canned spray foam or insulation isn't fire safe.

Sometimes despite all of your efforts, ice dams occur and with them water damage to your home or business.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton has experienced technicians ready to help if you suffer water damage to your business.

No disaster is too big or small!

Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton today at 603-298-6942. 

Hard Water effects on your home

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Hard water is a fact of life for most of us in the Northeast.

In fact, The stats tell us 85% of homeowners are affected by hard water.

If you were to take a look around your home for signs of hard water, they wouldn't be hard to miss!

When hard water evaporates it leaves behind mineral deposits known as scale. Scale can be found most easily around faucet taps and shower heads. It appears as a White or rusty scale buildup.

Over time, scale buildup can affect your plumbing as well as water dependent appliances.

• If your dishwasher is no longer cleaning dishes as well as it used to, hard water might be the problem. Soap doesn’t lather as well with hard water, diminishing the soap’s effectiveness.
• If you notice your clothes are coming out of the wash looking a little dingy and just not as bright and clean as they should be, is another sign of hard water.

Over time hard water scale buildup forms in your pipes.

It slows the efficiency of your water-using appliances. More energy is required for your water heater to function, and the flow of water to your dishwasher and washing machine slows down. 

These deficiencies can lead to higher utility costs.

According to Homewater101 

• 29% more energy is used to heat your water during the life of your water heater if you have hard water.
• Over 10 years, it’s estimated your water bill will be $1,500 more if you have hard water.
• The lifespan of home appliances decrease by 30-50%.

If possible, investing in a water softener can help eliminate your hard water problems. But in the meantime there are things that you can do to help with the rust stains and White scale that is left behind.

Keep in mind, none of these things will help with mineral build up in your pipes, but acts as a temporary appearance fix.

For Stains, spots and scale buildup 

Apple Cider Vinegar or White Vinegar is a good natural alternative to chemical cleaners if you prefer.

Vinegar’s acidity can cut through the minerals left behind by hard water. Create your own cleaner by mixing a 50–50 solution of distilled water and vinegar to spot-treat scale on shower doors, faucets and around sinks and tubs.

Combine vinegar with baking soda for a more powerful scrub for inside bathtubs and sinks.

If you do not have vinegar, lemon juice is a good alternative!

Again, none of this will help with corrosion to your pipes or the affects that hard water has on your appliances. It's best to speak to a professional regarding this and Water Softener solutions.

If you have an questions or concerns about the effects that water can have on your home; give us a call today at 603-298-6942.

"Like it never even happened."

Who do you call for your water emergencies? SERVPRO

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO for your Water disasters?

Because we are Faster To Any Size Disaster and we are a 24 Hour Emergency Service!

Disasters don't happen when it's convenient, but you can rely on us to get there because of our service response guidelines!

Whether it's fire, water or a storm; disasters come in all shapes and sizes!

To learn more about our guidelines and why we're faster to any size disaster, check out our guidelines below. 

SERVICE RESPONSE GUIDELINES

Damage of any kind to your business; especially fire, storm or water damage, can be stressful for owners, property managers, employees and tenants.

Property damage, equipment damage, document loss and temporary business closure are just some of the concerns you may experience.

Timely response and thorough mitigation can alleviate these concerns.

The first 24 hours can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your business property and belongings.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton's 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines can prevent Fire/Water and storm damage from creating long term problems.

1. Within 1 hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton Professional contacts you to arrange for services.
2. Within 4 hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professional is on-site to start mitigation services.
3. Within 8 business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope is communicated to the appropriate person.

**Exceptions may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation which could make getting around dangerous due to downed power lines or flooding.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, Storm or Water Damage?

Call Us Today - (603) 298-6942 

My basement is flooded, who should I call? SERVPRO!

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Has your sump pump been running overtime?

it's been a rainy season in the Northeast this year and we have been inundated with flooded basement calls. What can you expect when we arrive?

What are some of the things that SERVPRO can do when I have a flood in my basement?

Flooded Basement dry Out:

• Pump Deep Water
• Carpet Water removal
• Moisture Test walls
• Set up Drying Equipment
• Apply Antimicrobials
• Test Drying Complete

Even if you have an unfinished basement, leaving water or moisture can cause damage to the rest of the structure.

Imagine the condensation that could happen when it's 90* outside.

The concrete or cement blocks used to construct basements are susceptible to mold growth as well as odor.

Imagine all of the exposed framing. Framing lumber does and will absorb moisture and thus, grow mold. The metal framing ties may not be porous enough for mold growth; but they will corrode.

How about the plumbing and wiring?

Again, any metal parts can and most likely will corrode with excess moisture in the air.

The insulation! Perfect for mold growth! Wet insulation is a perfect breeding ground for mold and it affects the performance of the insulation itself. Wet insulations generally needs to be replaced.

So the takeaway here is, Always remove excess water, dry quickly and apply appropriate antimicrobials.

If you have a flooding situation, SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton are prepared and ready! Call 603-298-6942 24hours a day, 365 days a year! "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO for your storm relief?

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO for your storm relief?

Because we are Faster To Any Size Disaster and we are a 24 Hour Emergency Service!

Disasters don't happen when it's convenient, but you can rely on us to get there because of our service response guidelines!

Whether it's fire, water or a storm; disasters come in all shapes and sizes!

To learn more about our guidelines and why we're faster to any size disaster, check out our guidelines below. 

SERVICE RESPONSE GUIDELINES

Damage of any kind to your business; especially fire, storm or water damage, can be stressful for owners, property managers, employees and tenants.

Property damage, equipment damage, document loss and temporary business closure are just some of the concerns you may experience.

Timely response and thorough mitigation can alleviate these concerns.

The first 24 hours can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your business property and belongings.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton's 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines can prevent Fire/Water and storm damage from creating long term problems.

1. Within 1 hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton Professional contacts you to arrange for services.
2. Within 4 hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professional is on-site to start mitigation services.
3. Within 8 business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope is communicated to the appropriate person.

**Exceptions may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation which could make getting around dangerous due to downed power lines or flooding.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, Storm or Water Damage?

Call Us Today - (603) 298-6942 

Puffback Concerns and Prevention

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

The cold has arrived here in the Northeast and that means a lot of our furnaces will be in use in no time. If you haven't already done it; scheduling a maintenance checkup for your furnace is a great place to start.

Prevention is the first step to preventing Puffback

Oil furnace puff back is a messy and potentially dangerous event in which smoke and soot are released into the furnace.

Puff backs often result in oily black "webs" of soot being distributed throughout the house, requiring extensive cleaning and sometimes professional restoration to clean up.

To better understand puff backs you should know what causes them and how they can be prevented.

Puff Backs

• Puff backs occur when an oil-burning furnace doesn't ignite when it should.
• Oil vapors build up in the ignition chamber, causing an explosion when the igniter finally triggers. The explosion blows soot and other debris through the furnace's exhaust system and into the heating system, which carries it into the house.
• If the furnace is connected to a forced air heating system, the ducts can carry the puff back to every room of the house with an open vent.

Causes

• The most common causes of the presence of this un-burned heating oil fuel are various sources of improper oil burner operation that leaves incompletely-burned heating oil at the end of one or more on-off cycles of the oil burner.
• This can be caused by leaks in the oil system, bubbles in the oil line which expand and press oil out of the oil burner nozzle, the shutdown valve on the oil burner nozzle not working properly or a clog in the nozzle.
• Each of these problems can result in oil leaking out of the nozzle and into the combustion chamber when it isn't in operation. Oil will accumulate in the chamber until it finally ignites with a puff back explosion.

Warning Signs

• Most oil-burning furnaces in danger of having a puff back give off warning signs that should indicate a problem with the furnace.
• Black soot on the furnace, walls or ceiling indicate that oil is burning improperly in the furnace and is leaking out of the unit.
• Noises such as those made by the combustion chamber while it is burning may continue after the furnace has stopped, indicating that something is still burning within the furnace even though it shouldn't be.
• Noises at the beginning of the burn cycle, such as a puff or bang, also indicate that unburned oil has pooled and ignited.

Preventing Puff Backs 

• Preventing puff backs in oil-burning furnaces is largely a matter of performing regular maintenance on the furnace to keep it in proper operating condition.
• Oil-burning appliances should be cleaned and serviced once per year, ensuring that the service person opens the unit and inspects it for signs of problems or damage.
• Inspect the furnace periodically for signs of oil leaks, paying attention to any odd smells or soot in the furnace room.
• You should also look for debris in the flue vent connector which could also be a sign of problems with the furnace.

Yearly maintenance by a professional can give you peace of mind and keep your oil furnace running smoothly and safely.

If you have any puffback questions, give us a call today at 603-298-6942.

Chemical Spill and Biohazard Cleanup..What's it all about?

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Many companies and even homes have potentially dangerous chemicals in them, Do you know what to do if exposed to them?

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health effects.

A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton have professionals trained to safely clean and remove bio hazardous substances and dispose of them in accordance with OSHA and all health regulations.

Preparedness is essential. 

Familiarize yourself and your employees with these simple steps in the case of a spill:

• Make sure everyone is alerted to the spill
• Determine the chemical nature of the spill and check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Remember that sometimes determining whether or not a waste is a “hazardous waste” is difficult, and that the best policy is to assume all chemicals should be handled as hazardous waste.
• Make sure any electrical and spark producing equipment is turned off.
• If there’s fire, use the proper fire extinguisher right away.
• If appropriate, outfit yourself and employees in protective equipment or hazmat gear, including respirator, safety goggles and gloves.
• If needed, evacuate yourself and your employees. If the chemical spilled is toxic, volatile, or flammable, evacuation should be carried out immediately.
• If the chemical spilled is hazardous or highly toxic, alert all appropriate authorities and call 911
• In the case of a small spill, create a barrier around the spill with absorbent materials such as paper towels, vermiculite, or sand.
• Put up signs to prevent access to the contaminated area and warn of danger.

If your business has a policy or plan in place for these kinds of events, make sure you know it well!

If you do not have a plan of action in place or need a more comprehensive and detailed plan to go along with what you already have; contact SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton and we will provide you with an Emergency Readiness Profile at no cost to your business.

Biohazard emergencies don't always occur during the day or during your regular hours of business!

That's why, SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can be reached at 603-298-6942

"Like it never even happened."

Learning about Fire during the Holiday season

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

A fire can happen to anyone at anytime, but the Holiday season is peak season!

Winter is quickly approaching as well as the holiday season. This time of year automatically raises the chances of fire in our homes. Many of us in the Northeast have woodstoves that heat our homes, upping the risk of fire and puffback.

The holiday season brings with it another element of fire concern, We need to concern ourselves with kitchen safety! We do a lot of cooking and baking during the holiday season.

According to the NFPA, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, the day before Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve.

Now that we know how prevalent fires are around the holiday season, Let's Learn about FIRE!

Here are some Facts and Tips about Fire:

Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.

Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.

Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.

Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

Before a Fire Occurs

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

Twice each year, practice your home fire escape plan. Some tips to consider when preparing this plan include:

Find two ways to get out of each room in the event the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke.

A secondary route might be a window onto a neighboring roof or a collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows.

Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly, and that security bars can be properly opened.

Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.

Teach children not to hide from firefighters.

Smoke Alarms

A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

Test batteries monthly.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, both inside and outside of sleeping areas.

Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking – it can be a deadly mistake.

During a Fire

Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.

Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, or if there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use your second way out.

If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.

If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters right away.

If you can’t get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out. Call 9-1-1 or your fire department. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.

If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll – stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out. If you or someone else cannot stop, drop, and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel.

Use cool water to treat the burn immediately for 3 to 5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. Get medical help right away by calling 9-1-1 or the fire department.

After a Fire

Contact your local disaster relief service, such as The Red Cross, if you need temporary housing, food and medicines.

Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter. Be watchful of any structural damage caused by the fire.

The fire department should see that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site. DO NOT attempt to reconnect utilities yourself.

If you are insured, contact your insurance company.

Try to locate valuable documents and records.

You will need a Fire Damage and Restoration team. Contact SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603-298-6942 24 hours a day. 

Mold and the effects it can have on your home

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

MOLD in your home

Mold is one of those things that seems to creep up just about everywhere!

That's because mold IS everywhere.

Mold spores are in the air and they're just looking for a nice damp area to land and grow. Mold likes those nice quiet dark areas that we as home owners don't check very often.

Most people know that household mold can be bad for your health, and it makes an unsightly and bad-smelling mess, but did you know it can cause serious damage to the home, as well? Dealing with household mold quickly, prevents further damage to your home!

Mold damage to household materials and how it affects structures:

Mold feeds on organic materials, such as wood, paper, many fabrics, and even some types of glue. It literally eats away at these materials, causing them to rot and fall apart.

Mold can eat away at materials like wallpaper, drywall, carpet, wooden studs in walls, ceiling tiles, floorboards, and other structures inside the home.

If mold is left to it's own devices, it can lead to rot and literally destroy drywall, wood, ceilings.

Of course, it takes a while to reach that point.

Your house is not going to fall down around you as soon as mold begins to grow in it. Many materials in the home quickly become damaged beyond the point of repair, though, and in time, a home can be completely destroyed by mold growth.

Mold In Heating, Ventilation And Air Conditioning Systems:

Mold can sometimes be found in your heating and air condition systems! This can lead to mold spores being blown throughout your home and can lead to mold growth in your duct work.

For this reason, the FEMA recommends against turning on your heating or air conditioning if you think there might be mold in your HVAC system.

Have the system inspected, and cleaned if necessary, before turning it on in order to prevent greater mold damage to your home.

Note that the Environmental Protection Agency recommends having a professional clean your HVAC ducts, if you do find mold in them, to make sure the job is done correctly and safely.

Each mold infestation requires a particular solution. Our highly trained professionals use an exacting system of inspection, assessment, containment, air filtration, removing mold infested materials, disinfecting, and cleaning your belongings.

We can perform various types of minor and major repairs. To save our customers stress, time and costs expense, SERVPRO can handle the entire mold remediation service. We can handle the initial damage mitigation and the rebuilding, including sanitizing and deodorizing of all affected areas.

Our AMRT, Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians, are IICRC CERTIFIED, with advanced corporate and franchise training.

We are also experienced in dealing with your insurance company, and we can assist you in these matters if applicable. We can even assist you with your paperwork for your claim.

Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton with any questions that you may have. We are locally owned and operated, we will respond quickly with the help that you need. Call us at (603) 298-6942.

Fire Prevention Week and what comes next!

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

October 3rd through October 9th was Fire Prevention Week and armed with the latest information, now is the time to put it all to good use!

Here are some tips on staying on top of all things fire related.

Protect Your Family with Smoke Detectors

Installing and maintaining smoke detectors is still the most important step you can take to protect your family from fire death or injury.

The detector should be no more than ten years old.

You can check the date on the back of the unit. Test the batteries monthly, and replace often. Install them in all bedrooms, hallways outside bedrooms, and on each level of your home.

There are two types of smoke detectors: photoelectric and ionization.

Photoelectric works better with slower, smoldering fires, while the ionization type is more suited to faster, flaming fires. 

Most experts recommend that you have both in your home.

Have an Escape Plan

Take the time to plan an escape route for everyone in the home, designating a “meet up spot” outside.

The key to any escape plan is practice, practice and more practice!

Kids love games and challenges. Record the time it takes everyone to make it from their beds to the meet up spot, and then try to beat that time. The more often you practice, the more likely your children are to follow the plan, rather than freeze in panic or confusion when every second counts. Set your calendar to remind you to practice monthly.

For detailed information on how to create an escape plan for your family, https://www.ready.gov/ has a ton of useful information. Follow this helpful link: Fire escape plan

Fire Extinguishers are a must!

Two out of five home fires begin in the kitchen. Never leave a kitchen when food is cooking, especially on the burners. ALWAYS keep a fire extinguisher close by!

Have your chimneys cleaned regularly, and be very careful with portable space heaters. Make sure they are several feet away from drapes, clothing, or anything that could catch fire.

Never smoke in bed or while lying down.

With the Holidays coming, decorating our homes is a tradition, but it's a tradition that we must do safely..

Inspect your appliance cords. If any are torn, ripped, or damaged in any way, replace them immediately. If a cord or plug ever feels hot, unplug it.

Prevention is the key to your safety because the weather is turning colder here in the Northeast! The Holidays are just around the corner! We have to remain vigilant with our fire safety.

Does your business or home need a refresher before the Winter and holiday season is upon us?

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, Most of us are thinking about end of year numbers or all of the things that need to be done for the upcoming holidays!

Between the maintenance of your home and the projects that you have to tend to, who has time to deep clean your home?

Whether you're a business or a stressed out homeowner, Let SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton help!

As commercial cleaning experts, the staff members at SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton are qualified and experienced in techniques designed to make your office or property look as good as new.

We can handle a number of different jobs or sites including: 

Big and Small Office Buildings

• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotels/Motels

Big and Small Retail Stores

• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Government/Military
• Manufacturing & Industrial

Many companies have cleaning crews to handle the day-to-day cleaning of your business. However, some jobs require special equipment and techniques to fully tackle and get the job done!

Maybe it's time to get the duct work inspected or cleaned, Over time, air units can circulate pollen, dust, dirt, and debris which your employees and customers breathe. SERVPRO can do a thorough cleaning of the ducts and tackle odors and mold and keep your system running in tip top shape.

Or, maybe you're a homeowner that just doesn't have the time to deep clean your carpets and curtains or blinds before the Holiday company appears and they need some sprucing up!

SERVPRO can do all of these things and more..

A deep cleaning will do wonders for the image and smell of your business or home.

So give SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton a call at 603-298-6942 to schedule a fresh start for the Holiday season.

Storms come in all shapes and sizes and types?

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Not all storms come in the form of a weather related disaster; some storms can't be seen. But; they can still be prepared for.

The CDC strives to continuously gather data and information in an attempt to give us the most current information available.

Pandemics are something most of us have not had to deal with in our lifetime but are something that we have seen before.

A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spans several countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics are most often caused by viruses, like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can easily spread from person to person.

A new virus, like Covid-19, can emerge from anywhere and quickly spread around the world. It is hard to predict when or where the next new pandemic will emerge.

According to the CDC, if a pandemic is declared, there are some basic steps to follow.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Keep a distance of at least six feet between yourself and people who are not part of your household.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when in public.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch objects and surfaces.
• Stay at home as much as possible to prevent the spread of disease.
• Follow the guidance of the CDC

How to Prepare Yourself for a Pandemic.

• Learn how diseases spread to help protect yourself and others. Viruses can be spread from person to person, from a non-living object to a person and by people who are infected but don’t have any symptoms.
• Prepare for the possibility of schools, workplaces and community centers being closed. Investigate and prepare for virtual coordination for school, work (telework) and social activities.
• Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days or weeks. Supplies may include cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, prescriptions and bottled water. Buy supplies slowly to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to buy what they need.
• Create an emergency plan so that you and your family know what to do and what you will need in case an outbreak happens. Consider how a pandemic may affect your plans for other emergencies.
• Review your health insurance policies to understand what they cover, including telemedicine options.
• Create password-protected digital copies of important documents and store in a safe place. Watch out for scams and fraud.

Preparation is key to any disaster or storm and we've covered what you can do to be as prepared as you can be. The CDC offers much information on how you can keep yourself safe during and after a pandemic.

Staying safe and prepared is the SERVPRO way!

Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

Prepare To Protect

In keeping with the National Preparedness Month, I thought I'd put together as much information as I could find on preparing with a budget and ways to prepare ahead of time.

Let's face it, there are things that will ultimately have to be purchased for emergency kits, so planning ahead is something that we can all do and preparing a list of things that you need, and purchasing items weekly can really help with the budget!

Ready.gov has a wealth of information for you regarding ALL of your disaster preparation needs.

You can also visit SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton's website blog section for disaster related blogs and tons of preparedness information Here.

A great first step to preparing yourself for disaster, is to find out exactly what you need to prepare.

You can download or order your FREE preparedness products to help your family plan and prepare for the next emergency here: Free Publications

A very important part of preparing your family for a disaster is to know what to do the moment a disaster occurs. Have a plan in place and remember,  Drills aren’t just for your toolbox. Practice emergency drills with your family regularly.

Emergencies can happen anytime, and less than half of American families have a communication plan. Plan ahead with your family!

For information on making a plan with your kids, follow this link: Make a Plan

Make preparing fun for kids! Go on a scavenger hunt around your house for items you already have to add to your disaster supply kit. 

Follow this list: Build a Kit and see how many items you can check off!

Know what disasters and hazards could affect YOUR area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate. 

Visit Be Informed to find out how to get information specific to you and your area.

A little preparation can make the difference in a life threatening situation!

#PrepareToProtect #BeReady

What you should know about Flood Safety

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Be Prepared!

Flood Safety is something that we must consider more and more in the Northeast. Flash flooding is a term we are getting all to used to hearing.

September brings with it National Preparedness Month. We're used to preparing for the Winter months up here, not so much floods. I think it's time we start thinking about floods, Don't you? Let's DIVE in shall we!

Below is a list of things to consider ahead of the next rainy season.

1. Make a family emergency communication plan and include pets.
   For information on how to get started; follow this link: Make a Plan
2. Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in the car.
   For information on what your emergency kit should hold; follow this helpful link: Build a Kit
3. Check on your neighbors to make sure they’re okay. Especially your elderly neighbors who may not be able to gather the supplies needed to ride out a storm.
4. Know what to do before, during, and after a flood. To learn more about the three stages of flood preparation, follow this informative link: Floods
5. Flood insurance takes 30 days to take effect, so purchase now to protect your family!
6. Homes are not the only thing at risk! If you are a business owner, you have many other things that need to be considered about how you can prepare for a disaster at your business. For a comprehensive list of needs and considerations for your business, follow this informative link: Business
7. Listen to local officials by radio, TV or social media. In case of power outages, have a battery powered radio on hand so that you won't miss important information.
8. Evacuate when advised by authorities or if you are in a flood or flash flood prone area. Know your evacuation route!
9. If you are on high ground above flooded areas, being prepared to stay where you are may be the best protection.
10. Never drive or walk through flooded streets; Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Do not go through flood waters.

For more information about ANY type of disaster preparedness, follow this helpful link:  https://www.ready.gov/

#BeInformed 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to school and business safely!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic.

This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

Consult 

Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.

Clean 

Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 

Certify

Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton today at 603-298-6942 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

Restoring Your Lebanon, N.H. Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event!

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Restoring Your Lebanon, N.H. Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event!

Flooding and water damage events at commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges.

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints.

We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton 

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

 Meet our crew!

At SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton we are available 24 hours a day/365 days a year! Give us a call today at 603-298-6942 if you have any questions.

"Like it never even happened."

Construction and Rebuild Services

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

Construction/Rebuild Services

Construction Construction Construction!!

Do you have a construction or rebuild project that you need some help with?

Has your business suffered a fire or water loss and your confused about the process of getting it cleaned up and restored back to it's pre disaster condition?

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton has the experienced technicians that will see
you through this tough time from start to finish!

Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps costs low. SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton has over 20 yrs. experience in building and reconstruction services and is prepared to supervise a full range of restoration services that will get your home or business back up and running.

To help you better understand our process, here is what you can expect when we arrive at your facility.

Commercial/Large Loss Restoration Services Include:

• Securing the building/facility.
• Temporary utility services (Power, Lights, Heating, Plumbing)
• Debris removal.
• Complete or partial pack-out of electronics, belongings, documents, equipment, etc.
  as required.
• Water extraction and drying/dehumidification.
• Structure and content cleaning.
• Deodorization, disinfection, and odor removal.
• Repairs and reconstruction.

Restoration Process:

Once the emergency is dealt with; damaged materials removed, content protected,
packed and stowed and the drying equipment installed, we move onto the restoration
phase.

This is where we work with insurance adjusters, specialty tradespeople, owners, and property managers to identify the necessary repairs, develop a scope of work and estimate the costs.

Estimating Process:

The estimating process is actually a fairly smooth process because SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton, Insurance adjusters and many tradespeople use the industry standard software, Xactimate, which provides pricing, calculating formulas and concise descriptions that define the materials and services with each line
item. This insures everyone is "comparing apples to apples".

Construction and rebuild:

• HVAC services
• Board Up
• Document Drying
• Roofing Services
• Drywall Removal
• Carpet Repair and Installation
• Hardwood floor Repair
• Linoleum floor Repair
• General Contracting
• Move out

This is a sample of what we have to offer, for more information; give us a call today at 603-298-6942 and one of our Project Managers will be happy to walk you through our services.

Spring Clean up and Fire Safety

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Spring has sprung!

Spring cleaning often starts with our garage, now is the perfect time to clean out all stored newspapers or other rubbish that can be fuel for a fire.

Properly dispose of oily or greasy rags. If these items must be stored, they should be kept in
labeled and sealed metal containers.

If you store gasoline, keep it outside your home in a shed or detached garage.

Keep only small quantities in tightly sealed containers. Use gasoline only as a motor fuel, never as a cleaning agent or charcoal accelerant.

Things to remember when Spring Cleaning begins indoors and out:

• It's good practice to change batteries in smoke alarms, flashlights and carbon monoxide detectors in the Spring and Fall.
• Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Be sure to thoroughly clean the lint trap in your clothes dryer. Failure to clear lint from the filter is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires.
• Remove anything from your stovetop that could pose a dangerous fire hazard. This includes oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging and hand towels.
• Make sure outlets are not overcrowded with electrical wires and extension cords and that no extension cords are running across doorways or under carpets.
• Loose debris, like old rags, papers, tissue and wrapping paper, clothing and blankets, which pile up in closets, drawers or cabinets should be cleared out. (They create a fire hazard in your home).
• While cleaning, try to pay particular attention for loose floor boards or stair posts, sharp edges on furniture, tripping hazards or toxic materials left out in the open. This is the perfect time of year for stepping up the safety inside your home.
• This is a perfect time to go over your family's fire escape plan and make any changes if needed. Practice, Practice, Practice.
• Remember to Keep outdoor debris or dead vegetation away from the house and barbecue grill.

Speaking of our grill. Spring is a great time to make sure that our grills are in working order.

According to the NFPA, three out five households owns a gas grill, which translates to a lot of grilling. But it also means there’s an increased risk of home fires.

July is the peak month for grill fires at 17 percent, including both structure, outdoor or unclassified fires, followed by May, June and August.

A failure to clean the grill was the leading factor contributing to the fire in 19 percent of all grill structure fires. In 17 percent of the fires, something that could catch fire was too close to the grill.

Gas grills contribute to a higher number of home fires overall than their charcoal counterparts.

Spring is a great time to get a fresh start inside and out! If you need some help with your Spring cleaning, give us a call today at 603-298-6942. 

Spring Cleaning Tips!

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Spring Cleaning Tips!

With Spring being right around the corner, Spring cleaning is probably on your mind. Whether you just need to freshen up your home after a long winter or maybe you're thinking about doing some cleaning out. Here are some tips to get you started!

Remove water stains with lemon for a natural faucet fix.

This spring, make faucets clean and sparkly by rubbing a lemon half on the water stains. The citric acid helps remove hard water marks. Then, use the other half of the lemon for our next tip.

Clean your microwave by heating lemon juice and rinds in water.

Cut a lemon into halves, squeeze the juice into 1/2 cup of water and drop the rinds into the mixture. Microwave for three minutes and let it stand for five minutes without opening the door. The trapped steam will loosen the grime, so you can wipe the microwave clean with less elbow grease.

Use white vinegar to beat shower head buildup.

Looking for more natural ways to clean your bathroom? Vinegar can dissolve the mineral deposits accumulate in showerheads over time, causing reduced pressure and water flow. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, secure it over the showerhead with a rubber band and leave it overnight to get rid of buildup. Just be sure to run the shower before you hop in, or you risk smelling like vinegar all day.

Use newspaper to clean dirty windows and mirrors.

Mix ¼ cup of white vinegar, 2 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of liquid soap into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the glass and scrub with newspaper for a streak-free window or mirror. The ink acts as a mild abrasive and allows you to make use of old newspapers.

Place a wet dryer sheet on your ceramic stovetop to remove burnt-on residue.

Dryer sheets are non-abrasive and a great way to remove burnt-on food from your stove. Place the wet dryer sheet on your stovetop at least 15 minutes before rubbing the gunk away.

Clean your grill with an onion.

Get your grill cleaned up and ready for the warm weather. First, heat it up and spray some white vinegar onto the grates to help loosen the residue. Then, scrub the area firmly using half an onion. The acid from the onion will rid your grill of any leftover remnants.

Know your couch or rug before cleaning it.

Don’t ruin your upholstered furniture by using the wrong cleaner. Not all manufacturer labels state what type of solvent to use. Familiarize yourself with the cleaning codes below.

Upholstery Cleaning Labels:

1. W: Use water-based cleaning solutions.
2. S: Use dry-cleaning solvents. Do not saturate. Do not use water.
3. S-W: Use water-based cleaners or dry-cleaning solvents.
4. X: Use a vacuum or brush only.

Use a window squeegee to scrape pet hair from your carpet or rug.

The rubber edge of the squeegee is a great tool for gripping and removing pet hair from your rug. Use a firm grip and make sure to clean up the excess hair as you go. Finish by running the vacuum to catch any hair still on the surface.

And don't forget that SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is here to help you with all of your spring cleaning needs! Just give us a call at 603-298-6942.

Commercial Fire!

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

The clean up!

Smoke damage from a fire!

This storage facility suffered a lot damage from a fire because of burning plastic!

It suffered severe smoke and odor damage to it's structure as well as the equipment and furnishings inside.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton worked tirelessly to remediate the problem, so that business could be restored as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Many businesses are at risk for a fire, especially when they lease older buildings in need of repairs. We know how costly and devastating a fire can be to a business, so it is always our goal to get you back up and running right away.

Experiencing a fire at your business can leave you feeling very overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect next. SERVPRO has a stringent policy in place to get you back up and running as quickly as possible.

What To Expect:

When we visit your business after a fire loss, we will scope the affected areas to determine the extent of the loss. We will always pretest affected surfaces to determine the type of smoke and which products will help us recover the area most effectively.

We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.

If a fire has damaged your business, call us right away at 603-298-6942. SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton will treat you with empathy and respect, and your property with care.

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges.

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

"Like it never even happened."

Spring Cleaning Tips!

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

Spring Cleaning Tips!

With Spring being right around the corner, Spring cleaning is probably on your mind. Whether you just need to freshen up your home after a long winter or maybe you're thinking about doing some cleaning out. Here are some tips to get you started!

Remove water stains with lemon for a natural faucet fix.

This spring, make faucets clean and sparkly by rubbing a lemon half on the water stains. The citric acid helps remove hard water marks. Then, use the other half of the lemon for our next tip.

Clean your microwave by heating lemon juice and rinds in water.

Cut a lemon into halves, squeeze the juice into 1/2 cup of water and drop the rinds into the mixture. Microwave for three minutes and let it stand for five minutes without opening the door. The trapped steam will loosen the grime, so you can wipe the microwave clean with less elbow grease.

Use white vinegar to beat shower head buildup.

Looking for more natural ways to clean your bathroom? Vinegar can dissolve the mineral deposits accumulate in showerheads over time, causing reduced pressure and water flow. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, secure it over the showerhead with a rubber band and leave it overnight to get rid of buildup. Just be sure to run the shower before you hop in, or you risk smelling like vinegar all day.

Use newspaper to clean dirty windows and mirrors.

Mix ¼ cup of white vinegar, 2 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of liquid soap into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the glass and scrub with newspaper for a streak-free window or mirror. The ink acts as a mild abrasive and allows you to make use of old newspapers.

Place a wet dryer sheet on your ceramic stovetop to remove burnt-on residue.

Dryer sheets are non-abrasive and a great way to remove burnt-on food from your stove. Place the wet dryer sheet on your stovetop at least 15 minutes before rubbing the gunk away.

Clean your grill with an onion.

Get your grill cleaned up and ready for the warm weather. First, heat it up and spray some white vinegar onto the grates to help loosen the residue. Then, scrub the area firmly using half an onion. The acid from the onion will rid your grill of any leftover remnants.

Know your couch or rug before cleaning it.

Don’t ruin your upholstered furniture by using the wrong cleaner. Not all manufacturer labels state what type of solvent to use. Familiarize yourself with the cleaning codes below.

Upholstery Cleaning Labels:

1. W: Use water-based cleaning solutions.
2. S: Use dry-cleaning solvents. Do not saturate. Do not use water.
3. S-W: Use water-based cleaners or dry-cleaning solvents.
4. X: Use a vacuum or brush only.

Use a window squeegee to scrape pet hair from your carpet or rug.

The rubber edge of the squeegee is a great tool for gripping and removing pet hair from your rug. Use a firm grip and make sure to clean up the excess hair as you go. Finish by running the vacuum to catch any hair still on the surface.

And don't forget that SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is here to help you with all of your spring cleaning needs! Just give us a call at 603-298-6942.

Is my duct work dirty? Should I have it checked?

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

The ventilation system within your commercial space is key to your air quality.

Estimates made by the World Health Organization say that poor indoor air quality cost $60 Billion in employee sick leave and lost production.

Poor air quality can spread illness, cause respiratory irritation, and cause employees to feel drowsy or apathetic. In some cases, it can spread illness and cause employees to become sick frequently.

You don’t want to keep the air in your commercial space too dry nor too humid. Both ends of the humidity spectrum cause health effects and can make your staff uncomfortable. Instead, try to keep the humidity level in your building between 40 and 50 percent.

The ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Inspecting the ductwork must be a high priority. 

In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your office building.

Another problem that affects ductwork in commercial businesses is when input and output vents become blocked by boxes, equipment, furniture or dust. This reduces the free flow of air through ducting systems and, by association, reduces air circulation throughout the entire commercial building.

Part of your responsibility to the tenants, workers, and/or students who work and play in your buildings includes proper maintenance and prompt response to any situation that could cause illness or health effects.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton can help:

• Remediate bacteria, fungi and mold
• Reduce potential for mold growth
• Restore peak energy efficiency
• Eliminate offensive odors

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork. This inspection can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

To schedule a duct cleaning call 603-298-6942.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique

3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton today at 603-298-6942 for your  Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

Holiday Fire Safety Tips!

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

Watch Out for Those Fire-starters!

Candles and Fireplaces

Thousands of deaths are caused by fires, burns and other fire-related injuries every year, and 12% of home candle fires occur in December, the National Fire Protection Association reports. Increased use of candles and fireplaces, combined with an increase in the amount of combustible, seasonal decorations present in many homes means more risk for fire.

Top Ten Holiday Safety Tips

1. Inspect electrical decorations for damage before use.
   Cracked or damaged sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections may cause a serious shock or start a fire.
2. Do not overload electrical outlets.  Overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wires are a common cause of holiday fires. Avoid overloading outlets and plug only one high-wattage into each outlet at a time. 
3. Never connect more than three strings of incandescent lights,
   More than three strands may not only blow a fuse, but can also cause a fire.
4. Keep trees fresh by watering daily,dry trees are a serious fire hazard.
5. Use battery-operated candles,candles start almost half of home decoration fires (NFPA).
6. Keep combustibles at least three feet from heat sources.
7. Protect cords from damage.  To avoid shock or fire hazards, cords should never be pinched by furniture, forced into small spaces such as doors and windows, placed under rugs, located near heat sources, or attached by nails or staples.
8. Check decorations for certification label. Decorations not bearing a label from an independent testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or Intertek (ETL) have not been tested for safety and could be hazardous. 
9. Stay in the kitchen when something is cooking.  Unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of home cooking fires (NFPA).
10. Turn off, unplug, and extinguish all decorations when going to sleep or leaving the house. Unattended candles are the cause of one in five home candle fires. Half of home fire deaths occur between the hours of 11pm and 7am (NFPA).

We hope that these tips have been helpful to you, and everyone here at SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton wishes you a SAFE and Happy Holidays!

Because time matters when a disaster occurs

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Faster to any size disaster!

Why SERVPRO? Because we are Faster To Any Size Disaster and we are a 24 Hour Emergency Service!

Disasters don't happen when it's convenient, but you can rely on us to get there because of our service response guidelines!

To learn more about our guidelines and why we're faster to any size disaster, check out our guidelines below.

SERVICE RESPONSE GUIDELINES

Damage of any kind to your business; especially fire or water damage, can be stressful for owners, property managers, employees and tenants.

Property damage, equipment damage, document loss and temporary business closure are just some of the concerns you may experience. Timely response and thorough mitigation can alleviate these concerns.

The first 24 hours can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your business property and belongings.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines can prevent Fire/Water damage from creating long term problems.

1 - Within 1 hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton Professional contacts you to arrange for services.

4 - Within 4 hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professional is on-site to start mitigation services.

8 - Within 8 business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope is communicated to the appropriate person.

**Exceptions may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Water Damage? 
Call Us Today at (603) 298-6942 or check out our website 

"Like it never even happened."

Water brings MOLD!

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Where there is water, mold isn't far behind!

Where there is water..There is mold!

Checking for water leaks in your home is imperative to keeping the mold in check. Once mold has taken a hold; damage is not far behind!

How can mold damage your home?

Most people know that household mold can be bad for your health, and it makes an unsightly and bad-smelling mess, but did you know it can cause serious damage to the home, as well? Dealing with household mold quickly, prevents further damage to your home!

Mold damage to household materials and how it affects structures:

1. Mold feeds on organic materials, such as wood, paper, many fabrics, and even some types of glue. It literally eats away at these materials, causing them to rot and fall apart.
2. Mold can eat away at materials like wallpaper, drywall, carpet, wooden studs in walls, ceiling tiles, floorboards, and other structures inside the home.
3. If mold is left to it's own devices, it can lead to rot and literally destroy drywall, wood, ceilings.

Of course, it takes a while to reach that point.

Your house is not going to fall down around you as soon as mold begins to grow in it. Many materials in the home quickly become damaged beyond the point of repair, though, and in time, a home can be completely destroyed by mold growth.

Mold In Heating, Ventilation And Air Conditioning Systems.

Mold can sometimes be found in your heating and air conditioning systems! This can lead to mold spores being blown throughout your home and can lead to mold growth in your duct work.

For this reason, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends against turning on your heating or air conditioning if you think there might be mold in your HVAC system.

Have the system inspected, and cleaned if necessary, before turning it on in order to prevent greater mold damage to your home. Note that the Environmental Protection Agency recommends having a professional clean your HVAC ducts, if you do find mold in them, to make sure the job is done correctly and safely.

Each mold infestation requires a particular solution.

Our highly trained professionals use an exacting system of inspection, assessment, containment, air filtration, removing mold infested materials, disinfecting, and cleaning your belongings.

We can perform various types of minor and major repairs.

To save our customers stress, time and costs expense, SERVPRO can handle the entire mold remediation service. We can handle the initial damage mitigation and the rebuilding, including sanitizing and deodorizing of all affected areas.

Our AMRT, Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians, are IICRC CERTIFIED, with advanced corporate and franchise training. We are also experienced in dealing with your insurance company, and we can assist you in these matters if applicable. We can even assist you with your paperwork for your claim.

Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton with any questions that you may have. We are locally owned and operated, we will respond quickly with the help that you need. Call us at (603) 298-6942.

"Like it never even happened."

Ice Dams are on their way!

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Ice Dams are on their way!

Winter sure is closing in here in the northeast! We've had our first snow in October!

This is the time to be extra vigilant when it comes to ice dams at your business.

Ice dams occur after a heavy snowfall when warm air in the attic causes the roof to warm and the snow to melt. Water running down the roof refreezes when it reaches the colder roof edge, forming a mound of ice. The ice traps meltwater, which can seep back up under shingles and drip through the roof into your house, causing wet and stained ceilings and walls, and peeling paint and rot.

The easiest way to prevent ice dams is by keeping your roof cold.

This means never letting your roof temperature exceed 32 degrees. At 32 degrees,snow starts melting.

Most businesses heat loss is through the roof and air leaks caused by unblocked walls, gaps in drywall, and cracks around light fixtures, plumbing pipes, chimneys or heating vents.

Leaks can be very difficult to take care of because that requires that you roll back or rake your insulation back to find and block leaks.Typically using a foam or another method of caulking.

Proper insulation is imperative.

You will want to start by making sure to measure your insulation. Building codes require about 12 to 14 in. of fiberglass or cellulose.

Add more if you have less than 8 in. and have had ice dam problems in the past.

Blown-in cellulose and fiberglass are usually better than hand-placed batts, because they fill more tightly around rafters, joists and other obstructions, leaving fewer gaps.

Ventilation is important for keeping your roof cold.

Keep the roof cold to minimize ice dams. Upgrade attic insulation to about R-40, plug up air leaks to the attic and improve attic ventilation.

A cold roof isn’t always a perfect solution. During winters with heavy snowfall, you may get ice dams anyway. Or ice dams may consistently form at the foot of roof valleys (the junction where two roofs meet at a right angle), because they fill with windblown snow. And some sections of the roof may be impossible to keep cold. That’s when you have to call on secondary strategies to prevent ice dam damage.

Make sure the snow is removed from your roof after a heavy snowfall.

Flash around chimney
A lot of local small businesses in our area are older renovated homes, where chimneys are prevalent.

Bridge the gap between chimney and house framing with L-shaped steel flashing held in place with unbroken beads of a fire-stop sealant.

Using canned spray foam or insulation isn't fire safe.

Sometimes despite all of your efforts, ice dams occur and with them water damage to your business.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton has experienced technicians ready to help if you suffer water damage to your business. No disaster is too big or small!

Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton today at 603-298-6942.

Let's talk about pipes..

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

The weather is changing now! The cold temperatures are knocking on our door!

When we think about cold weather and how we can plan ahead; one thing often gets overlooked. Our PIPES! A burst pipe can create a big problem.

Let's learn a little about burst pipes..

Some helpful tips on how to protect your pipes from freezing!!

Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands in water damage—easily $5,000 or more, according to the "Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety".

Research conducted by the "Building Research Council at the University of Illinois" shows that the “temperature alert threshold” is 20° F, especially if you have uninsulated pipes running through an uninsulated space.

Here are some tips to help you keep those pipes in running order:

• Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night. Again, during a cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill.
• If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
• For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas. And to prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates, where the house rests on its foundation.

Even with all of the preparations,pipes can freeze and burst, leading to water damage. Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton 24hrs a day at 603-298-6942.

Are you dealing water leaks in your business?

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Are you prepared?

Disasters can happen at any time. Are you prepared?

Disasters don't always happen when it's convenient; are you and your employees ready for a disaster at any time?

Whether it's during a workday or after work, you and your employees can be Prepared with the SERVPRO Emergency Readiness Program.

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are “Ready for whatever happens” whenever it happens!

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency Readiness Profile, can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.

Disasters and emergencies always strike without warning. Preparation is an important key for making it through any size disaster. It is best to plan ahead before any disasters strike.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are "Ready for whatever happens."

In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations and priority areas.

The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future.

By downloading the free SERVPRO Ready App, this information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your mobile device, making help just a few clicks away.

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster.

Don't wait until disaster strikes.

Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942 to establish your Emergency READY Profile, and be "Ready for whatever happens" in your future.

Commercial Storm flooding

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

A storm has caused flooding in my business!!

What are some of the things that SERVPRO can do when my business suffers storm damage and flooding?

Flooded business dry-out information:

• Pump Deep Water
• Carpet Water removal
• Moisture Test walls
• Set up Drying Equipment
• Apply Antimicrobials
• Test Drying Complete

Acting quickly is key!

Leaving water or moisture can cause damage to the rest of the structure as well as where the damage occurred.

Imagine the condensation that could happen when it's 90* outside. The concrete or cement blocks used to construct basements and buildings are susceptible to mold growth as well as odor.

Imagine all of the exposed framing. Framing lumber does and will absorb moisture and thus, grow mold. The metal framing ties may not be porous enough for mold growth; but they will corrode.

How about the plumbing and wiring?

Again, any metal parts can and most likely will corrode with excess moisture in the air.

The insulation! Perfect for mold growth!

SERVPRO of Lebanon / Hanover / Littleton has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. 

Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

If you have a flooding situation, SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is prepared and ready! Call 603-298-6942 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!

For more helpful information on our Water Damage Repair and Restoration Services, follow this helpful link: Water Damage.

"Like it never even happened."

There is so much more to SERVPRO services than you may think!

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

When you think of SERVPRO, you probably think of Water, Fire and Mold. There is so much more that SERVPRO can do!

Did you know that SERVPRO also handles biohazard situations?

Crime scene cleanup being one of them. Here are some crime scene cleanup facts!

Crime scene cleanup is a term applied to forensic cleanup of blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials.

CTS decon is a market within the cleaning industry, and it involves cleaning up dangerous material.

It is also referred to as biohazard remediation, and forensic cleanup, because crime scenes are only a portion of the situations in which biohazard cleaning is needed.

Incidents which may require this type of cleanup include accidents, suicide, homicides, and decomposition after unattended death.

This could mean the biologically contaminated scene of a violent death (homicide, suicide or accidental), the chemically contaminated scene of a methamphetamine lab, or the residues left from a crime scene.

Crime-scene cleaners come in and restore the scene to its pre-incident state, also known as remediation.

Some of the cleaning services include:

• Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals
• Tear gas and pepper spray residues
• Fire extinguisher residue
• Blood, bodily fluids, and tissue remnants

After the police have completed processing a crime or accident scene, the cleaning and restoring can begin.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton will respond immediately with a crew that follows OSHA and EPA protocols and is specially trained and equipped to safely clean crime scenes.

If you find yourself in need of this service and need some help with the cleanup, call 603-298-6942.

"Like it never even happened."

Supporting Small Businesses

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

Supporting small businesses

Here at SERVPRO we take pride in supporting large and small businesses.

Recently we were made aware of a small business that we have worked with on multiple occasions has just been made a Top Women Led Businesses of the year!

Chang Thai Cafe in Littleton, N.H. has been a part of the Littleton area small businesses for a few years now and we like to see that they are flourishing in these trying times. Emshika Alberini and her amazing staff were a pleasure to work with!

SERVPRO will always be there to support your business and its needs;  LARGE OR SMALL.

Not only do we do,

-Fire remediation

-Mold remediation

-Water damage clean up and remediation

But we also take care of not so emergency based services such as:

-Carpet cleaning

-Full office/ room deep cleaning

-COVID-19 Cleaning

-Basement cleaning 

-Lead removal

-Biohazard cleaning

It’s not always easy when things go wrong but you can feel secure in knowing that SERVPRO is here to help you.

We are a crew  that genuinely cares and is trained to make sure your home or business is safe and taken care of. We are open and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

With SERVPRO you can have a piece of mind knowing that no matter how big or small the loss is we are there to help work with your insurance agency or you directly to quickly and safely ensure things get back to normal.

We will schedule an appointment and once a full scope of the damage is done, we will provide you a free estimate so you there are no surprise charges and costs. Don’t be scared to reach out and schedule an appointment with our project manager today!

"Like it never even happened."

Fire Prevention Week and Beyond

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Safety

October 7th through October 13th is Fire Prevention Week.

The weather is turning colder here in the Northeast! The Holidays are just around the corner! We have to remain vigilant with our fire safety. Here are some tips on staying on top of all things fire related.

Protect Your Family with Smoke Detectors!

Installing and maintaining smoke detectors is still the most important step you can take to protect your family from fire death or injury.

The detector should be no more than ten years old. You can check the date on the back of the unit. Test the batteries monthly, and replace often. Install them in all bedrooms, hallways outside bedrooms, and on each level of your home.

There are two types of smoke detectors: photoelectric and ionization. Photoelectric works better with slower, smoldering fires, while the ionization type is more suited to faster, flaming fires. Most experts recommend that you have both in your home.

Have an Escape Plan

Take the time to plan an escape route for everyone in the home, designating a “meet up spot” outside. 

The key to any escape plan is practice, practice and more practice!

Kids love games and challenges. Record the time it takes everyone to make it from their beds to the meetup spot, and then try to beat that time. The more often you practice, the more likely your children are to follow the plan, rather than freeze in panic or confusion when every second counts. Set your calendar to remind you to practice monthly.

Fire Extinguishers are a must!

Two out of five home fires begin in the kitchen. Never leave a kitchen when food is cooking, especially on the burners. ALWAYS keep a fire extinguisher close by!

Have your chimneys cleaned regularly, and be very careful with portable space heaters. Make sure they are several feet away from drapes, clothing, or anything that could catch fire.

Never smoke in bed or while lying down.

With the Holidays coming, decorating our homes is a tradition, but it's a tradition that we must do safely.

Inspect your appliance cords. If any are torn, ripped, or damaged in any way, replace them immediately. If a cord or plug ever feels hot, unplug it.

Prevention is the key to your safety.

Fire Safety during a drought Part 2

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Safety during a drought part 2!

We've experienced a very dry Spring and Summer this year. It's very important to remember to be cautious while your out and about and when doing yard work around your home. It only takes a spark to trigger a fire that could have devastating consequences.

According to WMUR, Most of northern New England is in the midst of a drought
after three months of low rainfall.

The State Drought Monitor maintained by
the University of Nebraska lists most of Maine and New Hampshire as facing "severe drought" and "moderate drought" conditions.

In our previous blog we discussed fire safety during a drought and how to prevent fires from occurring..This is a follow up to our original discussion! Onto part 2 of Fire Safety!!

Here are more measures that we can take to prevent fires..

Store your firewood safely

Stack firewood at least 15 feet away and uphill from your home.

Cook Safely Outdoors

If you are someone that enjoys barbecuing during the Fall as well as the Summer, here are some tips to keep it safe: Maintain a 10-foot brush free zone around outdoor grills and propane tanks. If using a charcoal grill, it is recommended that you place leftover ashes in a metal container and douse with water.

NEVER leave any grill unattended.

Fall means Football and outdoor events! 

Where you park your car makes a difference. If possible, do not park vehicles and other motorized vehicles on or near dry grass or shrubbery.

Exhaust systems can exceed the 500 degrees that it takes to start a brush fire.

Have a Fire extinguisher on hand

Having a fire extinguisher and other fire suppressing tools on you at all times is important during times of drought. Some helpful tools can be a shovel, bucket (for water) and a hose that can reach around your home and outlying areas.

Cigarettes and Cigars can be big fire starters if thrown out of a car window or tossed onto grass.

Teach children and everyone in your home fire safety and have a safety plan in place.

Teach children about the dangers of playing with fire and make sure that they know what to do in case of a fire! Including a fire evacuation plan.

Planning for a fire today can save a life tomorrow!

Lending a helping hand

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

David's House

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is more than just a restoration/mitigation company!

We take every opportunity that we can to help our community when they are in need.

We strive to be the very best that we can be, and sometimes that has nothing to do with a job. When we see there is a need within our community, we do all that we can to help out.

We are all in this together!

We are fortunate to live in a community that feels the same way as we do.

We are very fortunate to have David's House in our community and they really look to volunteers and donations as much as they can.

David’s House is the dream of a little boy named David Cyr who passed away in 1984 after a long struggle with acute lymphocytic leukemia. David's parents realized the need for families to be able to be close to their loved ones while receiving treatments.

David’s House is a grassroots organization that does not receive state or federal funding; because of the support they receive from our community, they are able to provide support for families 365 days/year without ever charging any fees.

Since January 20th, 1986, over 15,300 families from 42 states, 2 US territories, and 28 countries have called David’s House their home-away-from-
home. Countless others have used the house on a day-guest basis–for a shower, a nap, a meal, or any other service we provide apart from an overnight room.

They provide so much more than a bed to sleep in, a kitchen to eat in, and quiet areas to find respite in – They are a safe, peaceful, home environment filled with compassionate staff and volunteers, and they foster connections among families that can result in lifelong friendships and support networks.

We partnered up with some phenomenal local businesses to gather and donate much needed items. Our fellow businesses did not disappoint!

We we're able to donate everything from cleaning supplies, food, ppe equipment, personal care items and so much more!

We would like to thank all of the businesses that went out of their way to help us realize this mission!

Robert Alvarenga, D.M.D of West Lebanon
Koffee Kup Bakery
Courtyard Marriott, Lebanon
Walmart of Lebanon and Claremont
Mascoma Dental Associates
Bruce Feldstein, D.D.S. of West Lebanon
Best Western of Lebanon
Joe Kravitz D.D.S.
Price Chopper of Lebanon and West Lebanon
Shaws of Lebanon
Hannafords of Lebanon and Claremont
BJ's Wholesale of West Lebanon
Home Depot of Lebanon and Claremont
Just Kids Pediatrics of Norwich
Hilton Garden Inn of Lebanon
Keene Medical of Lebanon.

If you are interested in learning more about David's House or would like to donate, follow this link: David's House

Helping whenever we can, makes a community strong!

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Helping Hands

Helping whenever we can, makes a community strong!

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is prepared and ready to help with your Covid-19 proactive cleaning!

Our SERVPRO professionals can perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection as long as there is no active known threat of COVID-19 contamination or exposure.

We have had the honor of donating our services to local first responders and police stations in order to keep them safe and available for the emergency situations that they encounter on a daily basis!

The Lebanon Police department reached out to us in a wonderful letter of thanks, and we appreciate everything that they do for us all!

"The Lebanon Police department would like to thank you for donating your services for cleaning and disinfecting our departments cruisers. We are incredibly thankful for all of those who support our department. Please accept our deepest gratitude and appreciation for your generosity" Sincerely Richard Mello, Chief of Police.

The Hanover Police and Fire department reached out to us as well in a letter of thanks.

"On behalf of the Hanover Fire Department, I want to thank you and your staff for volunteering to sanitize all of our fire apparatus. Ramon and his staff were very professional, thorough and always complied with our safety procedures. Your support during these trying times is greatly appreciated and we are fortunate to live in such a thoughtful community. Sincerely, Martin McMillan, Fire Chief."

Staying connected in the community during these troubled times is so important and is the SERVPRO way!

"Like it never even happened."
https://www.SERVPROlebanonhanoverlittleton.com/

Fire Safety during a drought Part 1

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

We've experienced a very dry Spring and Summer this year.

It's very important to remember to be cautious while you're out and about and when doing yard work around your home. It only takes a spark to trigger a fire that could have devastating consequences.

According to WMUR, most of northern New England is in the midst of a drought
after three months of low rainfall.

The State Drought Monitor maintained by
the University of Nebraska lists most of Maine and New Hampshire as facing "severe drought" and "moderate drought" conditions.

There are precautions that we can take to prevent a fire during times of drought. Some of them are:

DO NOT burn brush, leaves or trash outdoors!

Create a safety zone.

Maintain a 30-foot or greater safety zone around your home that is clear of brush, tall grass and other flammable vegetation. Fire moves more quickly up steep hills, so extend that fire safety zone if your home is situated on a steep slope.

If you're considering planting, use fire resistant species of plants and trees throughout your property and especially within your safety zone.

Maintain your lawn

Keep trees and shrubs pruned around the chimney outlets and stovepipes. Keep your yard mowed, raked and free of brush and dead limbs.

Vehicles and Equipment

Something that we may not think of is "Spark Arresters." These are special mufflers that suppress fire starting sparks on any vehicle or equipment with an internal combustion engine. Use an approved spark arrester on chimneys and
stovepipes to stop the escape of burning cinders.

Let's usher fall in safely, everyone! And keep your eyes peeled for part 2 of Fire Safety during a drought.

Storm Preparedness for your vehicle

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Nor'easter

A Nor'easter is a type of storm that forms along the East Coast of North America. Nor'easters are named after the direction from which the strongest winds typically blow over the northeast states, including New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. The storms can bring wind, snow, rain and flooding to these regions.

Traveling in the winter months can be beautiful and fun! It's important to always be prepared for the unexpected. winter storms can pop up at anytime and you can find yourself stranded in your car for some time. Being prepared can be a life saver!

According to Ready.gov, having these essentials in your car during the winter are recommended.

Emergency Kit for the Car

• Jumper cables
• Flares or reflective triangle
• Ice scraper
• Car cell phone charger
• Blanket
• Map
• Cat litter or sand (for better tire traction)

Prepare Your Car for Emergencies

Having your mechanic check your vehicle before an emergency can occur is a good thing! Have your mechanic check all of the below:

• Antifreeze levels
• Battery and ignition system
• Brakes
• Exhaust system
• Fuel and air filters
• Heater and defroster
• Lights and flashing hazard lights
• Oil
• Thermostat
• Windshield wiper equipment and washer fluid level

Car Safety Tips

• Keep your gas tank full in case of evacuation or power outages. A full tank will also keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Install good winter tires and make sure they have enough tread, or any chains or studs required in your local area.
• Do not drive through flooded areas. Six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control or possibly stall. A foot of water will float many cars.
• If a power line falls on your car you are at risk of electrical shock. Stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
• If it becomes hard to control the car, pull over, stop the car and set the parking brake.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton wishes you all a happy and SAFE winter season!

Whatever the emergency situation may be, stay informed by visiting Ready.gov

Storm preparedness part 2, After the storm

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

Is your kit ready?

Only 51.5% of people have an emergency ready kit, Do you have a kit?

After a storm or emergency occurs, you may find that you are without power for days and may need to survive on your own until storm cleanup has been completed and power has been restored.

Having a checklist of needed items to put in your preparedness kit is very helpful.

According to https://www.ready.gov/kit this is a basic disaster kit and the supplies that should be in it.

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Additional personal emergency kit supplies

• Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Maintain your kit

Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.

Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.

Replace expired items as needed.

Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Kit storage locations

Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.

Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.

Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

SERVPRO is prepared 24 hours a day, Seven days a week to help you with your emergency situation! 

Tips on how to check for water damage

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Check for leaks before you have a disaster

How to Check your home for Water Damage..

Whether you've just been through a storm or are doing regular maintenance on your home, checking for water is always a good thing! Don't wait until a BIG disaster happens!

Taking the time to complete the steps below periodically; Can save you from that big disaster and will keep that hard earned cash in your pocket!!

Step 1 - Check the Walls

The easiest sign of water damage to spot is water stains on the walls and ceilings. Also check around the window and door frames for stains.

Any unusual stains should be taken seriously, as they could be a sign of a leaky pipe or drain inside the wall. Also look for cracks in the drywall and bubbling under the paint. An area of wall that has been exposed to water can also have a swollen appearance and be soft to the touch.

Step 2 - Check the Floors

Water damage can happen to any type of flooring and can also seep down to the sub floor. Look for any warping or buckling of the floors, especially in the basement. If the floor looks warped, water damage is most likely the cause.

Step 3 - Check the Pipes

Inspect the piping in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, and basement for corrosion around the pipe connections, leaks, or water stains.

Inspect the caulking around the bathroom fixtures. Missing or loose caulking could be caused by water seepage. Look for missing grout or signs of mold. Check the water heater for wet spots on the floor and rust on the tank.

Step 4 - Check the Basement

Basement leakage is a common problem found in houses. Water in the basement often causes damage to the flooring, baseboards, walls, and furniture. Additionally, odors caused by mold and mildew can be unpleasant and even cause health effects.

Inspect for cracks, stains, rust, dampness, mold, and odors.If you have drywall in your basement, Water can wick up it. Check all drywall for signs of water or water stains. 

Step 5 - Check the Attic

Check the attic for stains, mold, and other signs of leaks. Pay special attention to the valleys where 2 roof planes come together, the flashing where the roof meets the walls, and the flashing around roof vents and chimneys. The insulation should be dry and in good condition.

Houses located in cold climates can develop ice dams on the roof, which cause water to leak into the attic from melting snow and ice on the roof. Also make sure that attic ventilation is sufficient.

Step 6 - Check the Exterior

Make sure to check the exterior of the house as well. Check the roof for damaged flashing and missing, cracked, or curled shingles.

If you see standing water anywhere outside the home, it could be the sign of a problem. A puddle could be due to poor drainage in the yard, leaky rain gutters, or gutter spouts that don’t take water far enough from the house. The house should be situated on the highest point of the property, with the ground sloping away from the house.

If you see any signs of water damage in your home; call 1-603-298-6942 today. Don't let that small amount of water become a HUGE problem for you!

Preparing for Winter in the Summer?

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Heading into Winter prepared!

Winter will sneak up on us quicker than you think; especially in the Northeast!

So, what can we do now to prepare for what's coming? Here are some tips on getting prepared for Winter; in the Summer..

Gutters

If you have gutters on your home, like many of the older homes do in the Northeast; Now would be a good time to give them an overhaul.

Check for any repairs that may need to be made and clean them out. Without clean gutters and proper flow control, you might be dealing with icy front steps this winter! Be sure to clean your gutters so melting snow and freezing rain can flow away from your walking areas and foundation. 

Equipment

If you own a snow blower, now would be a good time to check the tires and fluids and give it a good cleanup. You don’t want to have to deal with that at 5am when you need to get to work and there is a foot of snow on the ground.

 Outside Water lines

Draining the Pipes is a good idea if you have an "outside water line." It is recommended that you turn off outside water sources. Turn off the water lines and then open the spigots outside to drain the line. This is a simple task that could save you lots of money and a huge headache with burst pipes.

Furnace

Have your furnace serviced if necessary, furnace filters need to be changed monthly to ensure clean air in the winter time. It also improves the effectiveness of your furnace and can reduce your energy bills.

Fire and Smoke detectors 

With fall and winter come holiday dinners, nights around the fireplace, and lighting our Warm Apple Pie spice candles. Now is the time to make sure all your detectors have fresh batteries and your alarms are set and ready! 

Chimney

Whether you have a fireplace or a wood stove, it is always a good idea to get your chimney cleaned and looked over every year. Replace broken bricks as you find them. Doing it now can save you from having to get on your roof in the Winter!

Prepare your yard

We often think of just our homes, and how we can prepare them for Winter. But, just one simple step can help you have a healthier lawn in the Spring.

Once you've done your last mowing for the season, sprinkle on lawn fertilizer. This helps to ensure stronger roots and a thicker lawn, as well as giving your soil nutrients to help during the cold months.

These are just some of the things that you can do in the Summer to get you ready for the Winter!

Here to Help!

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Here to help in your time of need

Research shows since 1980, the occurrence of weather related disasters has increased by more than 230 percent.

According to AccuWeather, natural disasters have affected 217 million people every single year since 1990.

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss division is composed of our best of the best in restoration.

Our elite large loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United states to handle any size disaster.

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,650 franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big.  Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

Should a storm or major event strike, call 603-298-6942, and we'll make it "Like it never even happened."

Helping our community

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

Here to help!

It is an absolute honor to be able to help these vital organizations in our community!

Jamilyn has been very busy accepting and collecting donations from local businesses to distribute to David's House and Headrest of Lebanon.

Our community of businesses did not disappoint! She was able to collect everything from personal care items to cleaning supplies and food!

Thank you to every business that donated! Helping and staying involved within our community is so important and SERVPRO is committed to doing what we can to help.

Thank you Jamilyn!!

Commercial and Large Loss Restoration the SERVPRO way!

8/24/2020 (Permalink)

Large Loss

COMMERCIAL/LARGE LOSS RESTORATION

This term refers to commercial buildings, schools, nursing homes, multi-unit buildings and can even mean residential property if it is of a usually large size. It includes events such as fire, smoke, burst pipes, heating unit puff-backs, biological occurrences such as bodily fluids, sewer back-ups mold/growth infestation; odor problems and even animal invasions or inhabitants.

We understand how overwhelming everything can seem in a time of crisis. 

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is here for you with trained technicians to make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial/Large Loss Restoration Services Include:

1. Securing the building/facility.
2. Temporary utility services (Power, Lights, Heating, Plumbing)
3. Debris removal.
4. Complete or partial pack-out of electronics, belongings, documents, equipment, etc. as required.
5. Water extraction and drying/dehumidification.
6. Structure and content cleaning.
7. Deodorization, disinfection, and odor removal.
8. Repairs and reconstruction.

Restoration Process:

Once the emergency is dealt with; damaged materials removed, content protected, packed and stowed and the drying equipment installed, we move onto the restoration phase. This is where we work with insurance adjusters, specialty tradespeople, owners, and property managers to identify the necessary repairs, develop a scope of work and estimate the costs.

Estimating Process:

The estimating process is actually a fairly smooth process because SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton, Insurance adjusters and many tradespeople use the industry standard software, Xactimate, which provides pricing, calculating formulas and concise descriptions that define the materials and services with each line item. This insures everyone is "comparing apples to apples".

Because time is critical in protection materials and content, you want to hire a company that is experienced, knowledgeable and equipped to do necessary work. Quickly and correctly. Thus, getting your company/facility/business back up and running with the least interruption.

That company is SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton!

For more information on our Commercial/Large Loss services; give us a call today at 603-298-6942

"Like it never even happened."

Chemical Spill and Biohazard Cleanup Tips for your business

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences.

A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton have professionals trained to safely clean and remove hazardous substances and dispose of them in accordance with OSHA and all health regulations.

Preparedness is essential.

Familiarize yourself and your employees with these simple steps in the case of a spill:

• Make sure everyone is alerted to the spill immediately. 
• Determine the chemical nature of the spill and check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Remember that sometimes determining whether or not a waste is a “hazardous waste” is difficult, and that the best policy is to assume all chemicals should be handled as hazardous waste.
• Make sure any electrical and spark producing equipment is turned off.
• If there’s fire, use the fire extinguisher right away.
• If appropriate, outfit yourself and employees in protective equipment or hazmat gear, including respirator, safety goggles and gloves.
• If needed, evacuate yourself and your employees. If the chemical spilled is toxic, volatile, or flammable, evacuation should be carried out immediately.
• If the chemical spilled is hazardous or highly toxic, alert all appropriate authorities and call 911
• In the case of a small spill, create a barrier around the spill with absorbent materials such as paper towels, vermiculite, or sand.
• Put up signs to prevent access to the contaminated area and warn of danger.

If your business has a policy or plan in place for these kinds of events, make sure you know it well! If you do not have a plan of action in place or need a more comprehensive and detailed plan to go along with what you already have; contact SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton and we will provide you with an Emergency Readiness Profile at no cost to your business.

Biohazard emergencies don't always occur during the day or during your regular hours of business!

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can be reached at 603-298-6942

"Like it never even happened."

And the journey continues...

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

Out in the field :)

Training is done! Holy moly, that was a process.

Now that I am on the roads connecting with our community; I am finding it a bit nerve wracking. I am usually full of confidence but boy has that changed.

There are the stops that when I pull into the parking lot, I'm all calm and collected. I gather my things and put the biggest smile on even though no one can see it due to the mask covering my face; and I proudly march into the business.

The calm, cool, and collected feeling doesn't always follow me in though. It tends to stay in the car as I get a bit shaky and the nerves set in. I like to pep talk myself quietly as I slide in the door and start a conversation with the first person I come into contact with. Usually this is easy for me as I like to talk.... a lot. They are generally warm and inviting or assuming I am there to sell them something. That's where things get tough. It's when I go to explain what SERVPRO is and what we offer, that I get tongue tied and anything that comes out of my mouth does not make sense. It can be frustrating at times.

As the days go on I am gaining more and more confidence and improving on my improv skills. I don't want to sound rehearsed or robotic. I like to start with offering an ERP because it such a great tool for business owners, but the fact that everyone thinks there are strings attached causes people to doubt. It is such an amazing safeguard and it's completely FREE!

I will persevere and continue to grow and learn. And I never thought I would say this but, thank goodness I am a "Chatty Cathy" since my job is to chat with everyone I meet about what an amazing company I work for and the wonderful things we can do!

Until next time my SERVPRO family, stay safe and healthy!

New To The Team!

7/9/2020 (Permalink)

Jamilyn Tofil Sales and Marketing Rep

My journey as a sales and marketing rep...

Hi everyone! My name is Jamilyn Tofil and I am very new to the team here in Lebanon, NH. I am proud to announce I am the new sales and marketing rep and I couldn't be happier. This journey has just begun but gosh, I'm excited! 

I guess I will start at the beginning...

I've been in the restaurant industry for twenty years with really no growth potential or respect from my employers. Once COVID-19 set in and we were quarantined for quite some time I began to realize what I really wanted out of life and in a job. I never thought this would be where I am today and there's still so much ahead of me. I was relaxing at home on my only day off when the phone rang. I picked it up and to my surprise it was an old acquaintance that I hadn't spoken to in quite some time. He was adamant about meeting with me because there was a job opportunity that he claimed was made for me. I had been so unhappy at my job for so long that I was ready to do something new, a fresh start. But like so many other people out there I was scared to make the change. I was scared more than I can actually explain. Let me tell you, I am so glad I did. As I met with my now boss we talked a bit about the job and why it was a good fit for me. Customer service has always been a passion of mine and the more we chatted the more I wanted to accept the offer.

Now where am I at now you may ask? Sitting at my desk (EEEEKKK! It's mine!) in Lebanon NH hoping that if I write this blog that it might inspire others to reach out and make that change. This is all so new to me and I wanted to share it with the rest of our SERVPRO family.

I have almost finished all the videos. Oh, those videos! They contained a wealth of knowledge and information and it was amazing and comforting to hear that this business wasn't to push people or force our company on anyone. We are here to help. We are here in a time of need that I couldn't imagine going through without SERVPRO. I must admit though that I am ready to get on the road and share all the awesome things that we do! I am nervous that I will not begin this journey with a running start but that is just my mind getting the best of me. We all have self doubt and worries but I stand by my choice to become part of this family. So, here's to the rest of my training (which is almost done!) and to getting out there and spreading the word about this amazing company I work for!

HELP My business is flooded!

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded store!

What are some of the things that SERVPRO can do when my business suffers water damage?

Flooded business dry Out:

• Pump Deep Water
• Carpet Water removal
• Moisture Test walls
• Set up Drying Equipment
• Apply Antimicrobials
• Test Drying Complete

Acting quickly is key!

Leaving water or moisture can cause damage to the rest of the structure as well as where the damage occurred.

Imagine the condensation that could happen when it's 90* outside. The concrete or cement blocks used to construct basements and buildings are susceptible to mold growth as well as odor. Imagine all of the exposed framing. Framing lumber does and will absorb moisture and thus, grow mold. The metal framing ties may not be porous enough for mold growth; but they will corrode.

How about the plumbing and wiring? Again, any metal parts can and most likely will corrode with excess moisture in the air.

The insulation! Perfect for mold growth!

SERVPRO of Lebanon / Hanover / Littleton has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

If you have a flooding situation, SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton are prepared and ready! Call 603-298-6942 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!

Commercial storm loss

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Salon suffers water damage

Research shows since 1980, the occurrence of weather related disasters has increased by more than 230 percent.

According to AccuWeather, natural disasters have affected 217 million people every single year since 1990.

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss division is composed of our best of the best in restoration.

Our elite large loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United states to handle any size disaster.

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado,hurricane,blizzard or flood.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers,along with the resources of more than 1,650 franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

Should a storm or major event strike, call 603-298-6942.

https://www.SERVPROlebanonhanoverlittleton.com/

"Like it never even happened."

COMMON CAUSES OF WATER DAMAGE IN YOUR HOME

6/6/2020 (Permalink)

Help! Our basement is flooded

THE 5 MOST COMMON CAUSES OF WATER DAMAGE IN YOUR HOME!

There are so many things that can damage your home. Wind,earthquakes,fires,storms and WATER.

Water Damage being the most frequent of all.

Here are the 5 most common causes of water damage in your home:

Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner might seem to be working just fine, but it’s important to adhere to regular service dates (at least once each year) to ensure nothing is malfunctioning behind the scenes. Your A/C removes moisture from the air, and sometimes that moisture builds up within the A/C itself. If not properly drained, that water could be slowly leaking into your home – potentially ruining the flooring and drywall and, in many cases, introducing mold.

Dishwasher

Dishwashers are another possible culprit of water damage in your home. Your dishwasher can cause water damage if not properly sealed, meaning that the latch is broken, or if it was loaded with the wrong soap. Make sure that any leaks are immediately addressed and that your dishwasher is repaired or replaced ASAP.

Washing Machine

Perform regular checks on your washing machine, inspecting beneath the unit as well as behind it. Make sure all fittings are securely connected, and that the underbelly of the washing machine isn’t leaking any water beneath the unit. If you have an older washing machine that gives you frequent issues, consider replacing it altogether.

Leaking Pipes

It might seem obvious, but water damage in the home is often caused by leaky pipes. Let’s pretend that you have a loose-fitting pipe under the kitchen sink or in the bathroom, and you’ve just recently water pooling in that area. Don’t wait to call a plumber – a leak in one place in your home could signify leaks in other areas, too. 

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains aren’t just annoying, they also cause water damage (and mold growth) if left unchecked. If your toilet is clogged, it means that not only can you not use the toilet, but you will likely also experience water backing up into the shower, sinks, or bathroom floor. Sewer water is extremely dangerous because it contains raw sewage and bacteria, and must be cleaned up by a professional.

If your kitchen sink drain is backing up, you can experience sink overflow and subsequent damages to your kitchen flooring and cabinetry. Make sure to seek professional help when experiencing frequent drain clogs so you don’t have to deal with water damage to your home on top of the clog itself.

If you are experiencing leaks in your home Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton today at 603-298-6942.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton today at  603-298-6942 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

DRYERS and the danger they pose!

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

Dryer Fire!

According to FEMA, 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and
cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.

There are some do's and don'ts when it comes to dryer safety! Let's take a look at some.

What you should DO:

• Have your dryer installed by a professional. This may seem unnecessary to some, but
  incorrect installation can put you and your family at risk.
• Making sure that the dryer is plugged into the correct plug with the correct
  voltage, A standard electric dryer generally draw about 30 amps at a voltage
  of 220 volts.
• Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry. Don’t forget to
  clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up. In addition, clean the
  lint filter with a nylon brush at least every six months or more often if it
  becomes clogged.
• Make sure to clean the lint vent pipe out every three months.
• If you notice that your dryer is taking longer than usual to dry your clothes,
  a professional cleaning may be in order.

What you DON'T want to do:

• Don't overload your dryer..You must allow for enough air exchange
• Never use a dryer without a lint filter
• Do not use cloth or wire screen to cover the outer vent (wall damper). They
  will collect lint and dirt and potentially clog the vent.
• Don't dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic
• Never dry anything that has come into contact with cooking oil, gasoline or
  alcohol. All are flammable. Dry them outside or in a very well ventilated
  area.
• Never leave your dryer running while you are out of the home.

These are just some tips for your safety, to learn more about fire safety follow these helpful links:

FEMA

SERVPRO fire restoration

If you have any questions about fire and fire safety, call us today at 603-298-6942. We're always here to help!

We are Cleaning Experts

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Here to help!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today at SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton, 603-298-6942

Thank you for a job well done!

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

It's a dirty job, but someone's gotta do it!

It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it!

We are grateful to have a production team that does it all with a smile. This industry allows us to help people through some very difficult times and there is no better satisfaction than a job well done and a smile on our clients face!

Here are some kind words from our clients..

J.H. from West Lebanon, N.H. 

Thank you so much Stephan. You guys were great to come out on such short notice. You truly saved the night and the weekend! The cellar
looks cleaner than it has in a long time! I hope you and you family have a wonderful new year. Hopefully we won’t need your emergency services but if we do we certainly know who to turn to!

C.F. from Claremont, N.H.

I was very pleased with your service for cleaning up my boiler room and attic space and would be happy to recommend you to others. I enjoyed working with the two young men who did my job. It was much less stressful than I expected. Thank you.

K.G. from West Lebanon

We sustained flooding from the ditch next to our house. It backed into our basement and we had approximately 6" of water in our basement! For
nine years my husband and I were in the property & casualty insurance business in the Lakes Region of NH. So many times we would connect our clients with SERVPRO for mitigation of water/flood/fire damage but never for ourselves! This time was our turn to call upon the
professionals, we definitely needed help! When I discovered the disaster looming in our basement, without hesitation I called SERVPRO!
Matt returned the initial call (after hours) and said he would put together a quote for me with the information I had given him. The next
day we confirmed, also that the water had receded! Hurray! I said let's move forward, we have no choice! The following day Ramon and TJ
arrived and after signing a couple of documents to proceed, Ramon the Senior Rep provided me with information of all they were going to do
and placed all the equipment indicated on the quote that Matt gave me. Ramon and TJ were extremely polite, professional, friendly and with
such a positive attitude for all the situations that they find themselves dealing with each and every day, is refreshing and amazingly unbelievable! God bless them!

Thank you to our amazing Production team for all that you do and doing it with SERVPRO pride!

The BIG THAW in the Upper Valley!

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

The BIG leak!

Skyler Says..

It has been so warm this week and everything is melting!!

When we have warm spells like this and the snow begins to really melt, it is a good time to check those spots that may be susceptible to
leaks!

Check the Basement

Basement leakage is a common problem found in houses. Water in the basement often causes damage to the flooring, baseboards, walls, and
furniture.

Additionally, odors caused by mold and mildew can be unpleasant and even cause health problems.  Inspect for cracks, stains, rust,
dampness, mold, and odors.

If you have sheetrock in your basement, check along the bottom edge. Water will wick up your sheetrock.

Check the Attic and Roof

Check the attic for stains, mold, and other signs of leaks. Pay special attention to the valleys where 2 roof planes come together, the flashing where the roof meets the walls, and the flashing around roof vents and chimneys. The insulation should be dry and in good condition.

Houses located in cold climates can develop ice dams on the roof, which cause water to leak into the attic from melting snow and ice on the roof.

Also make sure that attic ventilation is sufficient and is free of any debris.

Check the flooring

Water damage can happen to any type of flooring and can also seep down to the sub flooring.

Look for any warping or buckling of the floors,
especially in the basement. If the floor looks warped, water damage is most likely the cause.

Ensuring that you have good drainage can prevent the weakening of your foundation by preventing standing water that can cause cracks in your foundation, leading to leaking in your basement.

If you see any signs of water damage in your home; call the professionals at SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 1-603-298-6942 today. Don't let that small amount of water become a HUGE problem for you!

"Like it never even happened."

Tips for preventing water leaks at your business, What to look for!

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Suffering a water loss at your place of business can be devastating!

Water remediation takes time and you may find yourself having to send your employees home for the clean up and very often the business has to shut down for the duration of the drying process.

This can be very costly to business owners, not to mention the likely damage to important records, files and equipment.

There are some things that you can do to give yourself the upper hand in preventing a leak:

Firstly, knowing where potential leaks could occur in your business is very helpful in developing a checklist of areas to be regularly checked.

Roofing is an important place to start.

Check for missing or damaged roof materials often.

During the Winter months be sure to check for ice dams as they will allow water to leak into your roof and attic space. Having adequate insulation will help extend the life of the roof and help prevent ice dams.

Exposure to the winds and rains of Summer storms and the wind and snow of Winter storms means that your roof is ALWAYS under attack by the elements.

Appliances are another place where water often leaks.

Appliances such as air conditioning units, water heaters, refrigerators, dish and clothes washers. Any appliance that has water hooked up to it.

Appliances should be kept up to date, over time appliances become less effective and where there is water, rust will occur. This will cause a breakdown of the appliance, leading to leaks.

Checking pipes and drains on a regular basis is critical.

Pipes should be wrapped if they are on outside walls that are exposed to the cold. A pipe that has burst can leak hundreds of gallons of water in no time!

Know where the main shut off valve is for the water!

Drains should be regularly checked as they can clog easily leading to overflow and leaks. Make sure to check all hose connections.

Having a regular maintenance schedule will help keep you on top of these things and help prevent a disaster!

Having an Emergency Ready Profile is a great tool to have in your arsenal!

If you would like some help setting up an "Emergency Ready Profile" for your business, call us today at 603-298-6942.

"Like it never even happened."

Smoke and Odor damage! The mess that fire leaves behind!

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage!

Fire is not the only destructive force! Smoke and the Odor it leaves behind can be devastating.

When a fire occurs in your home, it's not always a total loss, but the mess that is left behind from the smoke and the putting out of the fire itself; can make it seem like a total loss! Smoke gets into every nook of your home and the odor that is left behind is foul and strong.

Smoke affects various materials in different ways. The temperature and type of the fire can cause different variations of smoke that will damage your home in different ways. Smoke is actually made of small particles of the fire itself. It is toxic and hot particles that damages the surfaces as it lands on it.

Not all fires are big fires, and not all smoke damage is caused by a direct fire. In fact, it's the fires that we don't think that much about, like smoke from a fire outside that sneaks into your home. This type of smoke damage can go unnoticed for a long time, all the while damaging the surface that it's on as well as leaving behind a lingering odor.

You may find yourself wanting to brave the mess yourself if you find yourself with smoke damage, BUT it's not always the safest for you to do on your own. If you have suffered a house fire, chances are that the conditions are unsafe. The structure may have falling pieces yet and the smoke damage combined with the water is extremely slippery.

Odds are that if a fire has occurred, there will be a need to secure the area and clean up the debris before a decision can be rendered on it's safety.

Thankfully, SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton can help with this. We have the equipment and experience to secure
your home and get it ready for Restoration.

Every fire presents it's own set of circumstances and poses it's own set of problems, there is a general process that is followed.

• Emergency Contact (When you first call us).
• Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment.
• Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
• Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
• Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces.
• Cleaning and Repair
• Restoration

Odor elimination is a big part of the Restoration process as well. SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified in odor removal.

Some odor removal basics are as follows

• Remove the source of the odor. ie burnt wood and building materials safely
• Clean up begins and the deodorization begins. Smoke and soot residues can deposit on and even penetrate the various surfaces such as walls and ceilings. SERVPRO technicians clean
  different surfaces depending on the type of the surface and residue deposited on it.
• Sealing if needed. Generally, sealing is not needed. But if the damage is extensive and the removal of the source is to expensive or impractical; it is the recommended option.

If you believe that you have unchecked smoke damage or have lingering odors, give us a call today at 603-298-6942 and we'll gladly come tackle that for you!

Are you considering selling your home?

1/13/2020 (Permalink)

Clean up!

Are you considering selling your home?

When you are thinking about putting your house on the market; deep cleaning your home is a great first step. Having a freshly cleaned home, free of odors makes it more appealing to the potential buyer. Checking all areas of your home for water leaks, mold and potential problem areas is a great start.

Life happens. Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents and homes get dirty.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you or the family that purchases your home.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton specializes in general cleaning, carpet cleaning, deodorization, odor removal and more.

The crew will wipe walls, ceilings, trim, lights, cabinets and anything you want us to clean. We can clean out your duct system, professionally clean carpets, upholstery and drapes.

Did you run into a problem with the inspection of your home? SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton specializes in mold remediation as well as water remediation!

For a more comprehensive list of cleaning services, follow this link: Cleaning Services

Give our office a call today at 603-298-6942 to get your cleaning estimate scheduled.

What should I do? My home has been damaged!

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

What steps should I take immediately after storm damage?

Take Safety Precautions for yourself above all..

If needed, arrange for an alternative place for you and your family to live while your property is being restored to safe living condition.

Heavy winds and rain can create physical hazards such as collapsed roofing materials, window damage, collapsed walls or standing water in the basement or home interior.

Shut off the main gas line if you smell gas!

Do not step in standing water without first making sure power is turned off to avoid risk of electrocution.

Beware of broken glass, exposed nails, and other sharp objects on the property.

Contact SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton to help do basic tasks to help secure your property and make it safe to use.

Photograph and Document the Damage

• If it is safe to move around your property, use your cellphone or a camera to photograph the damage so that you will have a record for your insurance company. This action will ensure that you are fully compensated.

Contact Your Homeowners Insurance Agency immediately.

• Contact your insurance agent to notify them about the damage to your home immediately. The company will send out an adjuster to determine the extent of the damage so that payment for repairs can be made.

Give us a call at 603-298-6942 if you are in need of some assistance following a storm or just have questions, We are here to help!

Holiday Safety before you decorate

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

Don't overload when decorating

The Holidays are right around the corner and now is the time to get the decorations out!

Around the holidays we need to be extra careful not to overload our plugs and extension cords. You could lose your power or even worse, start a FIRE!

According to the NFPA  Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two of every five (44%) home Christmas tree fires.

Two of every five (39%) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room. Five percent were chimney or flue fires. One-fifth (21%) of the decoration fires started in the kitchen. Sixteen percent started in the living room, family room or den.

Almost three of every five (57%) December home decoration fires were started by candles, compared to one-third (32%) in January to November.

Carefully decorating your home can help make your holidays safer.

Between 2013-2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 780 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees.

Make sure that your extension cords are not twisted and are in good working order as well as all lights be checked and are in good working order before you use them.

For more Holiday fire safety tips: Click here 

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton wants to wish everyone a happy and SAFE Holiday season!

Why SERVPRO? Time matters!

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Because disasters don't happen when it's convenient or during working hours only!

Disasters occur in a moment and usually at the worse possible time. What needs to happen in the case of a disaster is ACTION. SERVPRO knows just how important it is to respond to a disaster in a timely manner.

Let's take a look at just how quickly water damage can turn into a disaster.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is here for you when you need them! 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! Give us a call at 603-298-6942.

Berlin, N.H. home suffers serious Water Damage

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

Soaking wet fiberglass insulation

This Berlin home suffered a very significant water loss.

Water leaked through the roof and saturated the insulation in the attic.

With all of the strong winds and rain that we've been having lately in N.H., more homeowners are facing water issues just like this one.

A question we get frequently is, "Is my insulation still effective or able to be saved?"

Let's take a look at the two most common types of insulation:

Cellulose loose-fill

• Cellulose loose-fill, made of pulverized particles of paper and cloth, absorbs a large volume of water and compacts, losing the fluffy characteristics that make it an effective insulator.
• Soaked Cellulose insulation will simply retain water and is very resistant to drying. Generally, wet cellulose is not salvageable and will need to be replaced.

Fiberglass

• Fiberglass AKA "The Pink Stuff" is technically waterproof. Inside an enclosed attic the thick batt retains moisture which degrades its thermal resistance properties.
• Saturated Insulation typically loses at least 40% of its insulating R-value.

Chances are you're going to want to replace the affected insulation because MOLD sets in very quickly.

It is NOT recommended that you attempt to dry the affected area on your own due to the likelihood of contamination by the spread of mold in the drying attempt.

If you are concerned about your insulation or just have some questions, give us a call at 603-298-6942 and we'd be happy to help.

Like it never even happened

Help! Water is everywhere!

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding in the basement!

Help! Water is everywhere!

A water leak can quickly turn into a flooded area! Whether it's the basement, bathroom or kitchen area; SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton has the tools to get your area dried out and back to it's predisaster condition.

Here are just a few of the things that SERVPRO can do for you.

1. Flooded area Dry Out
2. Pump Deep Water
3. Moisture Test Walls
4. Carpet Water Removal
5. Set up Drying Equipment
6. Apply Antimicrobials
7. Test Drying Complete
8. Reconstruction Services

Our highly trained technicians are ready to respond immediately to flood or water damage at your property.

We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and efficiently. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to find the water and remove it as quickly as possible. Our technicians will monitor and document the drying process to ensure your property is back to normal.

To find out more about SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton Water Damage Services give us a call at 603-298-6942.

Fire and the odor it leaves behind

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

Things You Should Know about deodorizing your home after a fire.

One problem to consider after a fire is the lingering foul odor. If the odor is not taken care of professionally, it can linger for a very long time; making it hard to live with.

Thankfully, SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton can help you get rid of this odor.

The odor after a fire is a mix of chemical and natural odors due to the burning of wood, plastic, and various materials.

SERVPRO employs a multi-step process to eliminate odor and get your home smelling like home again.

Here are some odor removing basics

1. Removing the source

One of the first things that SERVPRO technicians do while tackling an odor problem after a fire is removing the source of the odor. The source of odor after a fire damage can be burnt wood or other building materials. Our IICRC certified technicians dispose of the source in a safely and efficiently.

1. Clean up

The second step during the deodorizing process is cleaning. Smoke and soot residues can deposit on and even penetrate the various surfaces such as walls and ceilings. SERVPRO technicians clean different surfaces depending on the type of the surface and residue deposited on it.

1. Sealing

Sealing is not required in most cases, but if the damage is extensive and the removal of the source is too expensive or impractical, it is the best option.

If you have some lingering odors in your home or just have some questions about our process, give us a call today at 603-298-6942.

Demolition and Reconstruction Services

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

Deconstruction and Reconstructive Services all in one!

Demolition is underway at this home! This home suffered a significant water leak and we are in the beginning stages of removing the ceiling and insulation and flooring.

Water leaks can be disastrous for home and business owners! Water spreads quickly and causes a lot of damage. Being vigilant and checking for leaks regularly is imperative.

Did you know that SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton also offers reconstructive services?

We believe that having one point of contact throughout an already stressful time is important, getting to know the team that will be working with you for some time can be comforting.

We have highly trained professionals that will be with you from the first call to the completed job, because here at SERVPRO we understand what you're going through and we care.

Like it never even happened.

Congratulations! 25 years!

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

25 years!!

Congratulations to Miguel and Melanie Perez! 25 years!

We are celebrating our 25th Anniversary at SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton and couldn't be more thankful to our employees for their hard work and dedication and to our community for all of their support throughout the years.

Being a SERVPRO franchise has allowed us to help people in so many ways and we understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage. Our team can also mitigate mold and mildew from your home or business. We strive to be the best at what we do and for the past 20 years, we have offered reconstructive services as well.

Our goal is to be there for you, from start to finish! Here's to 25 more years!!

Like it never even happened

Where there is water, there is mold!

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

Where there is water, there is mold!

Water leaks are invasive and will spread quickly under flooring and will wick up your sheetrock. The longer water sits, the more time mold has to set in! Once mold has set in, the problem has just become twofold.

So, what is Mold?

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

What you should NOT do if you find mold.

• Do not touch or disturb the mold.
• Do not blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Do not attempt to dry the affected areas yourself.
• Do not spray bleach or any other disinfectant on the mold.

What you should do?

• Stay out of the affected areas and areas you suspect have hidden mold.
• Turn off the HVAC system and the fans.
• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.

Call SERVPRO Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603-298-6942 if you suspect a water leak in your home. We are here to help and make it "Like it never even happened."

Is Water lurking in your home?

10/23/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage

It doesn't take a lot of water to cause a problem!

Whether it's a slow leak or a burst pipe; water is a destructive force. This Lebanon homes ceiling suffered from a pretty significant water loss and because the leak started upstairs, it was very difficult to detect until the problem was obvious.

Water leaks like this one aren't always easy to detect, but knowing the most common causes of water leaks will give you the upper hand and an idea of just where to look to spot leaks before they become a disaster.

Follow this informative link to learn the 5 most common causes of water damage in your home:Click here

Like it never even happened

Commercial Smoke and Soot Cleanup

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here!

If a business sustains a fire, it is important that you get the proper clean up so the soot, ash and water do not wreak havoc on what is left.

It is bad enough there was a fire, but the water and chemicals used to put the fire out can cause secondary damage.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your business, causing hidden damage and odor. Smoke and soot leave their own set of problems in their wake. Let's learn about them!

Some facts about Smoke and Soot!

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and rises.

Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke; wet and dry smoke. Which means, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. 

Wet Smoke 

• Plastic and Rubber
• Low heat, smoldering, strong odor and sticky. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke

• Paper and Wood
• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage has occurred before determining which cleaning procedures will be used.

For more information on Fire damage and Commercial Services; give us a call today at 603-298-6942.

Fire hazards in the kitchen

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Our kitchens are the hub of most homes and a place to gather together, But our kitchens are also the most dangerous room in the house when it comes to fire!

According to the NFPA, Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.

Follow these Safety Tips for Cooking

Staying in the kitchen to keep watch over what is cooking is not the only fire safety tip you should be following.

1. Watch out for your clothing. If you are wearing long, flowing sleeves or big, baggy clothing, it could catch on fire if you aren’t careful and it comes into contact with an open flame or a stove’s hot surface. It’s best to wear short or close-fitted sleeve shirts and make sure any baggy shirts are tucked in or tied back.
2. Watch the items that are placed around or on the stovetop. Kitchen towels, oven mitts, appliance cords or even curtains too close to the stovetop when cooking are quick to catch fire. Ideally, anything flammable needs to be moved away from it.
3. There needs to be a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen. Hopefully you have at least one fire extinguisher located in your home near your kitchen. Be sure that you know how to properly use the extinguisher, just in case it is ever needed.
4. Hot grease should not be thrown in the garbage can. While the grease may not be on fire, it may just be hot enough to cause something in the trash to ignite and burn. Let the grease cool for a while before disposing of it in an old coffee can. Also, know the “smoke point” temperatures of oils you cook with. Never subject a low-smoke point oil to high heat when cooking, as it could catch fire.
5. Create and establish an escape plan in the event of a fire. Who wants to thinks about worst-case scenarios? Nobody, but it’s better to be prepared should an emergency occur. Go over exit routes and designated meeting points with your family, making sure that everyone knows what to do.

Fire safety in the kitchen is an absolute necessity, as it can help prevent dangerous and destructive cooking fires. If your home has experienced damage from a cooking fire, know that SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is here to make it “Like it never even happened.”

How do I choose a restoration Company?

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Why should I choose SERVPRO?

We hope to never have to deal with a burst pipe, flooded basement or other water damage in our home or buildings.

Unfortunately; sooner or later it happens to us all.

 Here are some helpful tips for choosing the right commercial restoration company.

1. Check for certification: IICRC promotes high standards, ethics, advance communication and technical proficiency amongst restoration services. All SERVPRO franchises are IICRC certified.
2. The more services the better: Ideally, you should choose a restoration company that not only offers water damage restoration services but also provides other services such as mold damage remediation. Mold remediation is an important part of restoration work and any reputable restoration company should provide this service.
3. Emergency services: The key to effective restoration after water damage is a quick response. It is important to look for a water damage restoration company that is operational 24/7 and provides emergency services. Water damage can strike at any moment without warning.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton also offers reconstructive services. It's our goal to be with you from start to finish.

For more information about our services give us a call today at 603-298-6942.

Skyler Says..Do you need help?

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Post Construction clean up

Skyler Says..

Are you renovating your home? Having trouble with the cleanup?

When the remodel is done, you're left with a beautiful brand new space that is covered with a layer of construction dust that is nearly impossible to get rid of on your own.

If you’ve ever tried to clean up sheet rock dust or the fine sawdust left from the finish work, you know it’s easier to fit a square peg in a round hole. It seems impossible to sweep, wipe, or vacuum post construction dust without simple stirring it up and re-spreading. We have the solution and the tools to make it shine!

Like it never even happened

Skyler Says..Do you need help before the snow arrives?

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Let's get ready for Winter!

Skyler Says...

Do you need some help with cleanup before the snow falls? But you don't have time to get it all done?

Winter storms can be beautiful and festive; Winter storms can also be dangerous! Winter storms often bring with them high winds that can cause a lot of damage. Making sure that the outside of your home and yard are clear of any debris that could turn into a projectile is imperative!

Don't sweat it, SERVPRO has got you covered! Give us a call today at 603-298-6942 and we'll come out and get you ready for Winter.

It's the little things that count

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

It's the little things that count

It's the little things..

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton knows that it's the little things that count.

We realize that when you call us; it's because you need our help. It's our mission to not only make it "Like it never even happened" but to ensure that we never add to your stress.

Our homes are our castles and should be treated as such! SERVPRO technicians will always treat you and your home or business with the utmost respect and care that it deserves. You can count on us to be with you every step of the way.

Like it never even happened 

https://www.SERVPROlebanonhanoverlittleton.com/

Does your ductwork need some TLC?

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Does your ductwork need help?

Fall is here and that means Winter is right around the corner!

We close our homes and businesses up tight during the cold months and air quality can become an issue if you have dirty duct work.

This is the perfect time to think about getting your duct work inspected and cleaned if needed as well as getting your registers cleaned out. Ramon can be seen here doing just that.

If your duct work is in need of some TLC or you just have some questions about our process, give us a call today at 603-298-6942.

Like it never even happened

Top Ten reasons for house fires and how to avoid them.

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention is key

Top Ten reasons for house fires and how to avoid them.

The thought of your home burning down is a nightmare and we all hope that this won't happen to us, but knowledge is our best tool and knowing the causes of fire can help us prevent it.

Cooking equipment

Pots and pans can overheat and cause a fire very easily if the person cooking gets distracted and leaves cooking unattended. Always stay in the room, or ask someone to watch your food, when cooking on hotplates.

Heating

Keep portable heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that could easily catch fire such as furniture, curtains, laundry, clothes and even yourself. If you have a furnace, get it inspected once a year to make sure it is working to safety standards.

Smoking in bedrooms

Bedrooms are best to be kept off limits for smoking. A cigarette that is not put out properly can cause a flame, as the butt may stay alit for a few hours. It could burst into flames if it came into contact with flammable materials, such as furniture.

Electrical equipment

An electrical appliance, such as a toaster can start a fire if it is faulty or has a frayed cord. A power strip that is overloaded with double adapter plugs can cause a fire from an overuse of electricity.

Candles

Candles look and smell pretty, but if left unattended they can cause a room to easily burst into flames. Keep candles away from any obviously flammable items such as books and tissue boxes and curtains. Always blow a candle out before leaving a room.

Curious children

Kids can cause a fire out of curiosity, to see what would happen if they set fire to an object. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach of children. Install a smoke alarm in your child’s room and practice a home escape plan with your children and family in case there was a fire.

Faulty wiring

 Homes with inadequate wiring can cause fires from electrical hazards. Some signs to see if you’ve bad wiring are:

• Lights dim if you use another appliance.
• For an appliance to work, you have to disconnect another.
• Fuses blow or trip the circuit frequently.

Have a licensed electrician come and inspect you house, or contact your landlord if you have any of the above occurrences.

Barbecues

Barbecues are a great way to cook in the warmer months, but should always be used away from the home, tablecloths or any plants and tree branches.

Check the gas bottle for any leaks before you use it each time.

Flammable liquids

If you have any flammable liquids in the home or garage such as gasoline or kerosene  keep them away from heat sources and check the label before storing. Be careful when pouring these liquids.

Lighting

Lamp shades and light fittings can build up heat if they are very close to light bulbs. Check around the house to make sure. Lamp bases can become a hazard if they are able to be knocked over easily, and so should be removed if they are.

If you have any fire related questions, give us a call today at 603-298-6942. 

We LOVE hearing from our customers!!

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here for you!

We always love to hear back from our customers and appreciate it so much when we do!

Dear Sam and Crew------ As you know so well, having a fire is a traumatic event, even one as small as mine.---- But I hope you know that if that is your challenge, no one can help solve the wounds like SERVPRO, especially if you have Sam at the helm of a great crew. Sam, you've been amazing. Your knowledge, skill and focus have been an inspiration. I always felt that you listened, you cared, you acted.--- I love your unique approach to life --- The Frosting on the Cake.-- You truly make a difference. Thank you all for the great work you did to exceed your deadline. I am delighted -- But I will miss you. Strange?!! Keep up the great work. Cheers to Matt, too! Susan Hastings Hanover, N.H.

Thank you for this difficult task! I really appreciate the hard work and thoughtful help Ramon provided.

F.E. Littleton, N.H.

Staying Connected is the SERVPRO way!

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

Staying connected with our community

Staying Connected with our community is the SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton's way!

As a local business, we feel that it's extremely important to be active within our communities, and to take any opportunity that we can to help and support other local businesses as well as local charities through event sponsorship's, donations and drives.

Here are some of the fun things we've been honored to be a part of this year.

• CHaD HERO Half Marathon
• New Teacher Welcome Bags for SAU#6
• 25th Annual West Newbury Firefighters Association Benefit Golf Tournament
• 28th Annual Lebanon Police Department'Child Health and Community Programs Golf Tournament
• 27th Annual Jim Wechsler Memorial Golf Classic
• Lebanon NH Police Department 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
• Children's Scholarship Event Cookout

We look forward to many more years of staying connected with our communities and neighbors!

Winter is fast approaching and we all love a snow day in the Upper Valley!!

9/23/2019 (Permalink)

Prevent Winter Damage today!

 The reality is that major winter storms can wreak havoc in our everyday lives, causing inconvenience, discomfort and expensive damage.

Keep your home protected from these disruptions by following these tips:

• Start by cleaning out the gutters.This allows melting snow a place to go and is helpful in the prevention of ice dams.
• Inspect the roof for damaged shingles and damaged roof flashing. Both of which can let water into your home.
• Check your Chimney for cracks and leaning. Both will need to be repaired before the winter sets in. Make sure that your chimney has a cap that is properly installed.
• Get yourself a roof rake. Removing large amounts of snow from your roof will eliminate the chances of a roof collapse and help keep away the formations of ice dams.
• Check your pipes. If you have pipes that are on exterior walls or unheated areas of your home; get them insulated before the really cold temperatures hit. No one wants to deal with burst pipes!
• know where the main water valve is in your home. This is imperative if you do end up with some burst pipes.

Personal safety is a must!

• Keep walkways clear of snow and ice with deicing products and make sure to have clear paths to your main water valve and circuit breaker in case of emergency.
• Create and maintain a safety kit for each person in the event of an extended power outage.

For information on kits and what you should have in them; click here

Safety is the name of the game!

#HereToHelp #SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton

Storm Safety Tips for the Upper Valley

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Fall tips for the Upper Valley

Fall brings with it cooler temps, pumpkins and beautiful falling leaves. Fall is a beautiful time of year in the Upper Valley and we don't tend to get a lot of storms, but when we do; they often bring high winds and rain with them.

As New Englanders, we need to make sure that we are prepared for the upcoming Winter storms as well as all of our Fall duties.

Here are some tips to help with your Fall and bring you into Winter.

• Always keep a battery-powered radio in your home so that you can tune to radio stations if you lose electricity. Check the batteries frequently.
• Keep a flashlight in an easily accessible spot on every floor of your home. Check the batteries monthly.
• Keep a supply of candles on hand for power failures.
• Keep gutters free of leaves and debris.
• Make sure that your yard is kept free of items such as, tree limbs and yard tools. These can become projectiles in a wind event.
• If you haven't already, have your furnace serviced before the cold weather hits.
• Reconsider Leaf Burning! According to the EPA, burning leaves produces air pollution which can lead to health problems.
• Be sure to use caution if using space heaters,always allow at least three feet of empty area around space heaters.

Above all else, let's have a safe and a happy Fall season! SERVPRO cares!

How to prevent Ice dams in your Lebanon home!

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage issues can be a year round problem in New England, but Winter is right around the corner,and that presents it's own set of challenges that homeowners need to deal with.

Ice dams being one!

According to Wikipedia "An ice dam is an ice build-up on the eaves of sloped roofs of heated buildings that results from melting snow under a snow pack reaching the eave and freezing there. Freezing at the eave impedes the drainage of meltwater, which adds to the ice dam and causes backup of the meltwater, which may cause water leakage into the roof and consequent damage to the building and its contents if the water leaks through the roof".

Prevention is the key to tackling this problem and there are precautions that we can take.

1. Remove snow from roof using a roof rake.This eliminates a key component in ice dam formation.
2. Assure that you have sufficient insulation your roof to prevent freezing at the roof surface under a deep snow pack.
3. Make sure to have sufficient ventilation in your attic so that the hot air can escape. This is needed to have a cold roof (below 30 F) to prevent melting.
4. Make sure to have plenty of insulation in your attic floor as well. This will minimize the warming of the attic through heat loss of your living space.
5. Wherever possible,especially in ceilings; seal possible air leaks. This works in conjunction with the insulation.
6. Before Winter strikes, clean those gutters. Keeping them free of debris will allow a place for the melting snow to go.
7. Keep some Calcium or Magnesium Chloride on hand. This can be used on an ice dam when you see it starting.

Northeast winters can be really hard on homes and even with all of these precautions, ice dams can happen; and with it comes the potential for water leaking into your home.

If you suspect that you may have water leaking into your home or find evidence of wet insulation, give SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton a call today at 603-298-6942. We're available 24 hours a day.

Like it never even happened

Winter Storm Preparedness Part1

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Be prepared before a winter storm hits by planning ahead.

During really cold weather or winter storms, staying safe and warm presents many challenges! Storms bring with them very cold temps, power outages,icy roads and loss of communication. With some planning, you cab be prepared!

Weatherproofing your home will help to keep you warm, Some tips on this are..

• Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
• Make sure that your homes walls and attic are properly insulated.
• Install storm or thermal-pane windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
• Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure during a storm.
• If possible, having a generator when you live in colder climates is a plus.
• If you are using wood as your source of heat, have your chimney or flue inspected every year. Always make sure to have battery operated smoke and carbon detectors.

Have a list of important phone numbers in case of emergency. This should include your physician, pediatrician, pharmacist, and veterinarian.

Other important numbers to have are:
Poison Control Center: 800-222-1222
Animal Poison Control Helpline: 888-426-4435
Disaster Distress Helpline: 800-985-5990

According to FEMA, over 60% of people do not have an emergency plan in place. Start yours today!

Winter Storm Preparedness Part 2

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

In winter storm preparedness Part 1 we discussed preparing your home..

Let's discuss you car and Emergency kits in Part 2!

You may find yourself having to travel in the winter at some point or maybe there is an emergency and you have to go out in stormy weather. Don't get caught off guard without the basic things that you need.

According to the CDC, here is a list of items that you should have in your car during the winter months.

• Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries.
• Items to stay warm such as extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets.
• Windshield scraper
• Shovel
• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Water and snack food
• First aid kit with any necessary medications and a pocket knife
• Tow chains or rope
• Tire chains
• Canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair
• Cat litter or sand to help tires get traction, or road salt to melt ice
• Booster cables with fully charged battery or jumper cables
• Hazard or other reflectors
• Bright colored flag or help signs, emergency distress flag, and/or emergency flares
• Waterproof matches and a can to melt snow for water

Make sure that your cars maintenance is up to date before the cold weather hits!

• Replace windshield wiper solution with a wintertime solution.
• Check the antifreeze levels
• Make sure that your tires are winter ready
• Keep gas tank near full to avoid ice in the fuel lines.

Having an emergency kit in your car is a great idea because you never know when you may be stranded in your vehicle or you may have to leave your home quickly and you can't grab your emergency kit from there.

Here are some personal items to have in your emergency kit in addition to what you already have stored in your car:

• Prescription medications.
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives.
• Glasses and contact lens solution.
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream.
• Pet food and extra water for your pet.
• Cash or traveler's checks.
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes.
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils.
• Paper and pencil.
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.

These are recommendations and suggestions, personalize your kits to your special needs. 

 Being safe and warm during the winter months is vital both in your home and car! 

Building and Reconstruction services all in one!

8/26/2019 (Permalink)

Reconstruction is underway!

If your business has suffered from a disaster like a fire or a storm that has caused damage to the structure; First and foremost the building needs to be secured and tarps need to be placed to prevent further damage.

The building should be boarded up to secure it and debris should be removed.

Once that is done; Restoration can begin. SERVPRO can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas.

Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps costs low.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton has over 20 yrs experience in building and reconstruction services and is prepared to supervise a full range of restoration services that will get your home or business back up and running. Some of the services offered are:

• HVAC services
• Board Up
• Document Drying
• Roofing Services
• Drywall Removal
• Carpet Repair and Installation
• Hardwood floor Repair
• Linoleum floor Repair
• Tree Removal
• General Contracting
• Move out

For a complete list of services available to you,  Click here .

Or give us a call at 603-298-6942 and let us answer your questions today!

Out with the old and in with the new!

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Renovation

It's Summertime, and we all know what that means; It's time to RENOVATE!

Many businesses, large and small begin renovations and remodels during the warm Summer months. A time to freshen up your business both inside and out. To make this as smooth and quick a transition as possible, Here are some useful tips before you begin.

Have a plan before the actual renovation starts.

Identifying your priorities is crucial as it will help you stay on track and save you money on the commercial renovation project. Creating a plan before the actual renovation starts will help you and your team members stay on track and get the job completed efficiently.

Think long term.

It’s best to keep in mind that the purpose of your space might change over the years. A few things to think about for the future are more space for company growth, more offices if you take on more employees and more storage options as
the company grows.

Employees.

Take your customers and employees opinions into account when planning a renovation. Their surroundings play a huge role in their emotions and the way they feel within the space.Employees and customers will appreciate the updated
look and feel to the space.

Reduce energy bills.

If you're renovating as opposed to just remodeling, consider updating your windows, lighting and HVAC systems to help save you money on your energy bills.

Hire a professional.

An experienced general contractor can be valuable when it comes to renovating commercial spaces. A general contractor can be your adviser, designer and builder as they have experience in all of these fields.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton offers a full range of commercial cleaning services. From Post construction clean up to the Specialty Cleaning Services listed below:

Air Ducts and HVAC
Biohazard and Sewage
Carpet and Upholstery
Drapes and Blinds
Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
Odor Removal and Deodorization
Vandalism

Give us a call today at 603-298-6942, and let us help you through your remodel or renovation process! Or visit our website for a full list of commercial services Here.

Storm Safety

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

Summer is here, and with it; Summer storms!

Living in the Northeast means Summer storms that can include strong wind gusts,hail,heavy rain and lightning. We usually concern ourselves with our home or our car during storms, and how we can protect them. That is great, and it is
important to take all precautions during a storm. We can't forget ourselves though. We can't always be under the protective roof of our home when a storms rolls in. We need to know how to protect ourselves from the dangers that a
storm can bring.

Lightning can strike from 10 miles away, so if you can hear thunder, you are in danger of being struck by lightning.

If you find yourself caught outside during a storm, look for a substantial building like a school, office building or home to shelter in for the duration of the storm. Once inside, you should stay away from windows and doors and
anything that conducts electricity such as corded phones, wiring and plumbing.

If you are caught outside without a safe shelter anywhere nearby, the following actions can reduce your risk:

• Never shelter under a stand alone tree or utility pole. Lightning tends to strike the taller objects that are in an area.
• Lower your elevation, if you are hiking or on a hillside, immediately make your way down.
• Stay away from sources of water, such as ponds, lakes etc. If you are swimming, get out of the water asap and seek shelter.

It's always best to monitor the weather and postpone or cancel your outdoor activities accordingly. “If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to pose an immediate threat,” said FEMA Region V Acting Administrator Janet M.
Odeshoo. “Seek shelter as quickly as possible. There is no place outside that is safe when a thunderstorm is in the area.”

For additional information on storm safety visit,https://www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning. You can also find very helpful information on storm preparedness Here.

Spring and Summer storm tips

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

Spring is here and summer is not far behind..Spring and Summer are very unpredictable when it comes to storms. It can bring rain, wind and even hail!

In the Northeast we're used to temps going from 80 one day to 50 the next, This does take it's toll on us! This is why we need to be ever vigilant when it comes to preparing for the storm season inside and out.

Here are some tips for preparing for storm season.

• Assess. Take a walk around your property often to see if there is any damage. Especially after Winter!
• Check your gutters to make sure they are clear of debris and don't neglect to check the roof and chimney for damaged shingles and potential areas where leaking can occur.
• Trim and prune trees of all dead limbs and pick up any that may have fallen over the winter. These can become projectiles in a windy storm.
• Make sure that your sump pump is in working order; Winter thaw and Spring runoff can really wreak havoc in your basement.
• Always make sure that your outside items are secured or better yet; picked up and put away in the case that a storm is coming.

In the Northeast; we have many rural and secluded areas that are beautiful to live in; but with that beauty comes some sacrifices. Many of these homeowners deal with power outages on a pretty regular basis.

So, whether your preparing for a potential storm or are frequently without power; it's always good to plan for the power to be out for an extended period of time.

Think ahead. Make ice, lots of it. This will come in handy with coolers to keep your food fresh and also to keep your refrigerator and freezer cold.

Have a battery powered radio for updates on when the power may be restored to your area.

Make sure that your cell phone is charged.

These are just a few tips to help you have a safe and happy Spring!

Can water damaged insulation be saved?

5/13/2019 (Permalink)

Removing wet insulation

My insulation is wet! Can it be saved??

There are two types of insulation that most homeowners use. These are known as fiberglass batts, AKA "The pink stuff" and blown-in cellulose loose-fill.

Both are susceptible to attic water damage but in two specific ways.

Cellulose loose-fill, made of pulverized particles of paper and cloth, absorbs a large volume of water and compacts, losing the fluffy characteristics that make it an effective insulator.

Soaked Cellulose insulation will simply retain water and is very resistant to drying. Generally, wet cellulose is not salvageable and will need to be replaced.

Fiberglass is technically waterproof, inside an enclosed attic the thick batt retains moisture which degrades its thermal resistance properties.

Saturated insulation typically loses at least 40% of its insulating R-value.

Mold is another thing that should be taken into consideration.

Depending on how long your insulation has been wet; Mold growth may have set in. Be prepared to inspect your insulation before deciding between trying to dry or simply replacing.

Drying a large area of soaked insulation as well as detecting mold is a labor-intensive process that should be left to professionals. Due to the chance of contamination. 

Chances are you're going to want to just replace the affected insulation. Mold is quick to grow and spread, leading to a potential health hazard.

If you find evidence of water leaks in your attic, don't hesitate to reach out for help because time is of the essence and mold is not far behind.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton has got you covered! If you have questions regarding water or mold, Give us a call at 603-298-6942!

Fire Damage Restoration basics

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage

Fire is a destructive force and can leave many types of damage in it's wake!

The obvious damage comes from the fire itself as it burns, but where there is fire; there is smoke,soot,water,chemicals used to put the fire out and a host of other problems.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton has the equipment and experience to handle your unique situation, and with a restore vs.replace mentality; it's our goal to get you back into your home asap!

Although each fire is unique and poses it's own set of problems, there is a general process that is followed.

1. Emergency Contact (When you first call us).
2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment.
3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces.
6. Cleaning and Repair.
7. Restoration

For a more in depth look into our fire damage restoration process; Click on this link.

And for questions about fire,smoke or soot damage; give us a call at 603-298-6942.

Spring rains are here!

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded basement!

Spring is officially here in the Northeast and with it comes the big melt!

If you want to avoid a flood in your basement or cellar follow these helpful tips:

To prevent water from leaking through your foundation, look to gutters for your first line of defense.

While gutter-and-downspout systems protect your house from rainwater and snow melt, they can also compound drainage problems by concentrating roof runoff at a house's corners close to the foundation.

To carry water away, attach a sloped leader to each gutter and guide water at least 10 feet from the foundation.

Downspouts can also be directed to dump directly into an above or under ground catch basin which will redistribute the water slowly back into the ground via small holes drilled throughout the basin.

Plug gaps and holes in basement.

If you see water dribbling into the basement through cracks or gaps around plumbing pipes, you can plug the openings yourself with hydraulic cement or polyurethane caulk.

Check your landscaping.

Check that your landscaping isn’t allowing water to pool around your foundation.

Soil should always slope away from your foundation for at least three feet. If the soil around your foundation is level or slopes back toward your home, add enough fresh soil to allow water to flow away and allow at least six inches of clear space between your foundation and your landscaping.

Maintain Your Plumbing.

While most of the hazards that lead to water in the basement come from outside water; water and drain pipes inside your home could also cause an issue. Plumbing maintenance begins with using your drains properly, including sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets.

Waterproof the Walls.

Waterproofing the walls is an effective way of keeping rain- and groundwater out of your basement.

You can paint the interior of your basement walls with a waterproofing product, while a professional waterproofing company will need to waterproof the exterior side of your foundation.

Water in your basement can lead to mold growth and that can lead to health concerns!

Be vigilant in checking for water leaks in your home and basement to avoid big water problems in the future!

Preventing fires at your business!

4/15/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Causes around $10 Billion In Damage Per Year according to the "Burden of Tobacco in your Workplace, page 1 by tobaccofreetippecanoe.org"

Fire safety tips for the workplace are as important as fire tips for the home! Here are some tips for businesses:

Eliminate workplace fire hazards.

• Replace damaged electrical outlets, cords, cables, etc.
• Be mindful of overloaded outlets and circuits.
• Fire exits need to be free of any obstacles.

Prepare for emergencies!

• Follow workplace protocol and guidelines.
• Ensure that smoke alarms and sprinkler systems are installed and working properly.
• Conduct regular fire drills.

Employers should follow these workplace fire safety tips:

• Post clear fire escape plans on every level.
• Educate all employees on emergency procedures, exit locations and escape routes.
• Install and properly maintain all fire safety equipment.
• Use only electrical products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory (i.e. UL).
• Immediately replace damaged, hazardous equipment.
• Only use three-prong plugs in three-slot outlets (and, similarly: two-slot plug into two-slot outlets).

Heaters must include a thermostat control mechanism.

SMOKE ALARMS ARE A NECESSITY, NOT AN OPTION.

Invest in smoke detectors for every room or office.

Test your smoke detectors and sprinkling system monthly.

Replace smoke detector batteries at least once a year unless you have a 10yr lithium battery detector.

Never disable a smoke alarm.

Provide for disabled employees by considering these two types of detectors:

• Audible alarms (pauses between the siren wail allow for auditory communication) are available for the visually impaired.
• Visual alarms (with a flashing light or vibrating pad) are available for the hearing impaired.

Know and understand the fire emergency and evacuation plan with these workplace fire safety tips:

• Plan multiple escape routes from as many locations as possible.
• Fire escapes need to be stable, secure, and easily accessible.
• Ensure that windows are easily accessed and easily opened.
• Never use the elevator.

We never know when disaster may strike! Keeping your self and your employees safe is the most important thing.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is here for you if disaster strikes; Let us take care of your business, so you can focus on your employees.

Biohazard clean up is serious business!

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

We have quite a lot of large facilities in the Upper Valley. From hospitals to supermarkets and manufacturing businesses.

One thing they all have in common is that they use hazardous chemicals. Whether it's a cleaning product or a chemical used in the manufacturing process; exposure to biohazard or chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences!

SERVPRO of Lebanon / Hanover / Littleton is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

We provide cleanup and recovery services for many different biohazard situations. Which include the following:

Sewage backups
Crime scene residues
Suicide/death accidents
Homicide cleanups
Blood cleanup
Accident cleanup
Hoarding scenes
Animal waste/remains
Chemical spills
Tear gas cleanup
Meth lab cleanup

Any biohazard situation requires immediate attention!

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is available to you 24 hours a day at 603-298-6942.

Give us a call and let us handle it for you!

Post construction cleanup

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

Post Construction Cleanup

Remodeling your home or office can be a stressful undertaking!

When the remodel is done, you're left with a beautiful brand new space that is covered with a layer of construction dust that is nearly impossible to get rid of on your own.

If you’ve ever tried to clean up sheet rock duct or the fine sawdust left from the finish work, you know it’s easier to fit a square peg in a round hole. It seems impossible to sweep, wipe, or vacuum post construction dust without simple stirring it up and re-spreading. We have the solution!

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton have the products and equipment to make your finished project shine!

Air Scrubbers
Hepa Vacs and filters
Duct Cleaning Vacuum
High Pressure Steam Clearers
SERVPRO RBT Drywall Dust Remover, Amor Guard and Wall and All to name a few.

A good post-construction clean targets these areas;

Outside of the structure
Walls, windows and Ceilings
Air Ducts and HVAC
Counters, Cabinets and Drawers
Bathrooms
Floors

If you are undertaking a remodel or have some new construction underway; Call SERVPRO at 603-298-6942 and we'll be there to make it shine.

Fire Prevention is the key!

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

Common Fire Hazards

Kitchen fires from unattended cooking, grease fires

Electrical systems that are overloaded, poorly maintained or defective

Candles and other open flames

Smoking (Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, lighters, etc.)

Fireplace chimneys not properly or regularly cleaned

Heating appliances - fireplaces, wood burning stoves, furnaces, boilers, portable heaters, solid fuels.

Household appliances - clothes dryers, curling irons, hair dryers, refrigerators, freezers, boilers.

Check Your Smoke Alarms

Use Daylight Savings Time as a reminder to check your smoke alarms. Replace conventional batteries at least once a year, even if alarms are wired directly into your homes electrical system.

For the best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside every sleeping area and in each bedroom.

Smoke alarms expire after 10 years. So if your alarm is more than 10 years old, you should install a new one.

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan with two ways out of every room.

Have all emergency phone numbers in an easy to see place and make sure everyone knows where they are.

Fire prevention is key! But if the worse happens, Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603-298-6942 and we'll be there to help you through this most difficult time.

When Vandalism Strikes!

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Graffiti!

Graffiti is a form of visual communication, usually illegal, involving the unauthorized marking of public space by an individual or group. Although the common image of graffiti is a stylistic symbol or phrase spray-painted on a wall by a member of
a street gang, some graffiti is not gang-related. Graffiti can be understood as antisocial behaviour performed in order to gain attention or as a form of thrill seeking, but it also can be understood as an expressive art form.

Graffiti can also be an eyesore on your business and can keep people from entering or using your business!

Does your business or home need some TLC on the outside?

Did you know that SERVPRO will come out and clean up any graffiti or vandalism on your business or home? In addition to removing spray-painted graffiti from exterior walls, we can also
clean driveways, walkways, asphalt, metals, wood, glass, plastic, and masonry.

Call 1-603-298-6942 today if your business or home need a freshening up for the New Year!

Like it never even happened.
http://www.SERVPROlebanonhanoverlittleton.com

How to spot water damage

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Significant Water damage to home!

How to Check your home for Water Damage!

Don't wait until a BIG disaster happens! Taking the time to complete the steps below periodically; Can save you from that big disaster and will keep that hard earned cash in your pocket!!

Step 1 - Check the Walls

The easiest sign of water damage to spot is water stains on the walls and ceilings. Also check around the window and door frames for stains. Any unusual stains should be taken seriously, as they could be a sign of a leaky pipe or drain inside the wall. Also look for cracks in the drywall and bubbling under the paint. An area of wall that has been exposed to water can also have a swollen appearance and be soft to the touch.

Step 2 - Check the Floors

Water damage can happen to any type of flooring and can also seep down to the sub floor. Look for any warping or buckling of the floors, especially in the basement. If the floor looks warped, water damage is most likely the cause.

Step 3 - Check the Pipes

Inspect the piping in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, and basement for corrosion around the pipe connections, leaks, or water stains. Inspect the caulking around the bathroom fixtures. Missing or loose caulking could be caused by water seepage. Look for missing grout or signs of mold. Check the water heater for wet spots on the floor and rust on the tank.

Step 4 - Check the Basement

Basement leakage is a common problem found in houses. Water in the basement often causes damage to the flooring, baseboards, walls, and furniture. Additionally, odors caused by mold and
mildew can be unpleasant and even cause health problems. Inspect for cracks, stains, rust, dampness, mold, and odors.If you have
drywall in your basement, Water can wick up it. Check all drywall for signs of water or water stains.

Step 5 - Check the Attic

Check the attic for stains, mold, and other signs of leaks. Pay special attention to the valleys where 2 roof planes come together, the flashing where the roof meets the walls, and the flashing around roof vents and chimneys. The insulation should be dry and in good condition. Houses located in cold climates can develop ice dams on the roof, which cause water to leak into the
attic from melting snow and ice on the roof. Also make sure that attic ventilation is sufficient.

Step 6 - Check the Exterior

Make sure to check the exterior of the house as well. Check the roof for damaged flashing and missing, cracked, or curled shingles. If you see standing water anywhere outside the home, it
could be the sign of a problem. A puddle could be due to poor drainage in the yard, leaky rain gutters, or gutter spouts that don’t take water far enough from the house. The house should be
situated on the highest point of the property, with the ground sloping away from the house.

If you see any signs of water damage in your home; call the professionals at SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 1-603- 298-6942 today. Don't let that small amount of water become a HUGE problem for you!

There is always some mold!

12/17/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Damage

There is always some mold everywhere – in the air and on many surfaces. Molds have been on the Earth for millions of years. Mold grows where there is moisture.

Mold and Your Home

Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets can and be carried indoors.

Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling
tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

You Can Control Mold

Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

• Controlling humidity levels
• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas

If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. Mold growth can be removed from
hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water. (If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold; NEVER mix with ammonia or other cleaning products!) This can lead to toxic fumes!

If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet; The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you use a
mold remediation specialist like SERVPRO of
Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton to handle the situation for you. We have trained specialists to safely remove the mold for you.

Call 603-298-6942 today if you find water or mold in your home. Let the professionals at SERVPRO take care of this for you and make it "Like it never even happened"

http://www.SERVPROlebanonhanoverlittleton.com

Winter came early! Ice dams are coming!

12/8/2018 (Permalink)

Winter sure showed up early here in the northeast! We've had snow since October!

This is a season to be extra vigilant when it comes to ice dams.

Ice dams occur after a heavy snowfall when warm air in the attic causes the roof to warm and the snow to melt. Water running down the roof refreezes when it reaches the colder roof edge, forming a mound of ice. The ice traps meltwater, which can seep back up under shingles and drip through the roof into your house, causing wet and stained ceilings and walls, and peeling paint and rot.

The easiest way to prevent ice dams is by keeping your roof cold.This means never letting your roof temperature exceed 32 degrees. At 32 degrees,snow starts melting.

Most homes heat loss is through the attic and air leaks caused by unblocked walls, gaps in drywall, and cracks around light fixtures, plumbing pipes, chimneys. Leaks can be very difficult to take care of because that requires that you roll back or rake your insulation back to find and block leaks.Typically using a foam or another method of caulking.

Insulation in your attic is imperative. You will want to start by making sure to measure your insulation. Building codes require about 12 to 14 in. of fiberglass or cellulose.
Add more if you have less than 8 in. and have had ice dam problems in the past.

Blown-in cellulose and fiberglass are usually better than hand-placed batts, because they fill more tightly around rafters, joists and other obstructions, leaving fewer gaps.

Attic ventilation is important for keeping your attic cold.Keep the roof cold to minimize ice dams. Upgrade attic insulation to about R-40, plug up air leaks to the attic and improve attic ventilation.

A cold roof isn’t always a perfect solution. During winters with heavy snowfall, you may get ice dams anyway. Or ice dams may consistently form at the foot of roof valleys (the junction where two roofs meet at a right angle), because they fill with windblown snow. And some sections of the roof may be impossible to keep cold. That’s when you have to call on secondary strategies to prevent ice dam damage.

Rake the snow off your roof after a heavy snowfall.

Flash around chimney.

Bridge the gap between chimney and house framing with L-shaped steel flashing held in place with unbroken beads of a fire-stop sealant. Using canned spray foam or insulation isn't fire safe.

Sometimes despite all of your efforts, ice dams occur and with them water damage to your home.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton has experienced technicians ready to help if you suffer water damage to your home. No disaster is too big or small!

Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton today at 603-298-6942.

Holiday safety

12/7/2018 (Permalink)

Watch Out for Those Fire-starters!

Candles and Fireplaces!!

Thousands of deaths are caused by fires, burns and other fire- related injuries every year, and 12% of home candle fires occur in December, the National Fire Protection Association reports.
Increased use of candles and fireplaces,combined with an increase in the amount of combustible, seasonal decorations present in many homes means more risk for fire.

Top Ten Holiday Safety Tips!

1. Inspect electrical decorations for damage before use. Cracked or damaged sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections may cause a serious shock or start a fire.

2. Do not overload electrical outlets.
Overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wires are a common cause of holiday fires. Avoid overloading outlets and plug only one high-wattage into each outlet at a time.

3. Never connect more than three strings of incandescent lights. More than three strands may not only blow a fuse, but can also cause a fire.

4. Keep trees fresh by watering daily,dry trees are a serious fire hazard.

5. Use battery-operated candles,candles start almost half of home decoration fires (NFPA).

6. Keep combustibles at least three feet from heat sources.

7. Protect cords from damage.
To avoid shock or fire hazards, cords should never be pinched by furniture, forced into small spaces such as doors and windows, placed under rugs, located near heat sources, or attached by nails or staples.

8. Check decorations for certification label.
Decorations not bearing a label from an independent testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian
Standards Association (CSA), or Intertek (ETL) have not been tested for safety and could be hazardous.

9. Stay in the kitchen when something is cooking.
Unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of home cooking fires (NFPA).

10. Turn off, unplug, and extinguish all decorations when going to sleep or leaving the house. Unattended candles are the cause of one in five home candle fires. Half of home fire deaths occur between the hours of 11pm and 7am (NFPA).

We hope that these tips have been helpful to you, and everyone here at SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton wishes you a SAFE and Happy Holidays!

How can mold damage your home?

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage on wood

Most people know that household mold can be bad for your health, and it makes an unsightly and bad-smelling mess, but did you know it can cause serious damage to the home, as well? Dealing with
household mold quickly, prevents further damage to your home!

Mold damage to household materials and how it affects structures:

Mold feeds on organic materials, such as wood, paper, many fabrics, and even some types of glue. It literally eats away at these materials, causing them to rot and fall apart.

Mold can eat away at materials like wallpaper, drywall, carpet, wooden studs in walls, ceiling tiles, floorboards, and other structures inside the home.

If mold is left to it's own devices,it can lead to rot and literally destroy drywall, wood,ceilings.

Of course, it takes a while to reach that point. Your house is not going to fall down around you as soon as mold begins to grow in it. Many materials in the home quickly become damaged beyond the point of repair, though, and in time, a home can be completely destroyed by mold growth.

Mold In Heating, Ventilation And Air Conditioning Systems:

Mold can sometimes be found in your heating and air conditioning systems! This can lead to mold spores being blown throughout your home and can lead to mold growth in your duct work.

For this reason, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends against turning on your heating or air conditioning if you think there might be mold in your HVAC system. Have the system inspected, and cleaned if necessary, before turning it on in order to prevent greater mold damage to your home. Note that
the Environmental Protection Agency recommends having a professional clean your HVAC ducts, if you do find mold in them, to make sure the job is done correctly and safely.

Each mold infestation requires a particular solution. Our highly trained professionals use an exacting system of inspection,
assessment, containment, air filtration, removing mold infested materials, disinfecting, and cleaning your belongings. We can perform various types of minor and major repairs. To save our customers stress, time and costs expense, SERVPRO can handle the entire mold remediation service. We can handle the initial damage
mitigation and the rebuilding, including sanitizing and deodorizing of all affected areas. Our AMRT, Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians, are IICRC CERTIFIED, with advanced corporate and franchise training. We are also experienced in
dealing with your insurance company, and we can assist you in these matters if applicable. We can even assist you with your paperwork for your claim.

Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton with any questions that you may have. We are locally owned and operated, we will respond quickly with the help that you need.Call us at (603) 298-6942.

When Furnaces Fight Back.. Puff Back Happens!

11/16/2018 (Permalink)

Puff Back!

Furnace puff back is a messy and potentially dangerous event in which smoke and soot are released into the furnace.

Puff backs often result in oily black "webs" of soot being distributed throughout the house, requiring extensive cleaning and sometimes professional restoration to clean up.

To better understand puff backs you should know what causes them and how they can be prevented.

Puff Backs

Puff backs occur when an oil-burning furnace doesn't ignite when it should. Oil vapors build up in the ignition chamber, causing an explosion when the igniter finally triggers. The explosion blows soot and other debris through the furnace's exhaust system and into the heating system, which carries it into the house. If the furnace is connected to a forced air heating system, the ducts can carry the puff back to every room of the house with an open vent.

Causes

Puff backs are caused by problems with the furnace, which leave oil in the ignition chamber that doesn't get burned. This can be caused by leaks in the oil system, bubbles in the oil line which expand and press oil out of the oil burner nozzle, the shutdown valve on the oil burner nozzle not working properly or a clog in the nozzle. Each of these problems can result in oil leaking out of the nozzle and into the combustion chamber when it isn't in operation. Oil will accumulate in the chamber until it finally ignites with a puff back explosion.

Warning Signs

Most oil-burning furnaces in danger of having a puff back give off warning signs that should indicate a problem with the furnace. Black soot on the furnace, walls or ceiling indicate that oil is burning improperly in the furnace and is leaking out of the unit. Noises such as those made by the combustion chamber while it is burning may continue after the furnace has stopped, indicating that something is still burning within the furnace even though it shouldn't be. Noises at the beginning of the burn cycle, such as a puff or bang, also indicate that unburned oil has pooled and ignited.

Preventing Puff Backs

Preventing puff backs in oil-burning furnaces is largely a matter of performing regular maintenance on the furnace to keep it in proper operating condition. Oil-burning appliances should be cleaned and serviced once per year, ensuring that the service person opens the unit and inspects it for signs of problems or damage. Inspect the furnace periodically for signs of oil leaks, paying attention to any odd smells or soot in the furnace room. You should also look for debris in the flue vent connector which could also be a sign of problems with the furnace.

Does your business or home need a fresh start?

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner,Most of us are thinking about end of year numbers or all of the things that need to be done for the upcoming holidays! Whether you're a business or a stressed out homeowner,Let SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton help!

As commercial cleaning experts, the staff members at SERVPRO of Lebanon/hanover/Littleton are qualified and experienced in techniques designed to make your office or property look as good as new. We can handle a number of different jobs or sites including:

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotels/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-.Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

Many companies have cleaning crews to handle the day-to-day cleaning of your business. However, some jobs require special equipment and techniques to fully tackle and get the job done!

Maybe it's time to get the duct work inspected or cleaned,Over time, air units can circulate pollen, dust, dirt, and debris which your employees and customers breathe. SERVPRO can do a thorough cleaning of the ducts and tackle odors and mold and keep your system running in tip top shape.

Or maybe you're a homeowner that just doesn't have the time to deep clean your carpets and curtains or blinds before the Holiday company appears and they need some sprucing up! SERVPRO can do all of these things and more..

A deep cleaning will do wonders for the image and smell of your business or home.

So give SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton a call at 603-298-6942 to schedule a fresh start for the Holiday season.

For more info on all of the cleaning services that SERVPRO has to offer Click Here

Let's Learn about FIRE!

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

A Fire can happen to anyone at anytime!

Here are some Facts and Tips about Fire:

Learn About Fire

• Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill
  a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.
• Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.
• Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
• Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than
  flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire
  deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

Before a Fire

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan!

Twice each year, practice your home fire escape plan. Some tips to consider when preparing this plan include:

• Find two ways to get out of each room in the event the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke.
• A secondary route might be a window onto a neighboring roof or a collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows.
• Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly, and that security bars can be properly opened.
• Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
• Teach children not to hide from firefighters.

Smoke Alarms

• A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.
• Test batteries monthly.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
• Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking – it can be a deadly mistake.

During a Fire

• Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
• Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, or if there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
• If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
• If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters right away.
• If you can’t get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out. Call 9-1-1 or your fire department. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
• If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll – stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your
  hands. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out. If you or someone else cannot stop, drop, and roll, smother
  the flames with a blanket or towel. Use cool water to treat the burn immediately for 3 to 5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry
  cloth. Get medical help right away by calling 9-1-1 or the fire department.

After a Fire

• Contact your local disaster relief service, such as The Red Cross, if you need temporary housing, food and medicines.
• Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter. Be watchful of any structural damage caused by fire.
• The fire department should see that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site. DO NOT
  attempt to reconnect utilities yourself.
• If you are insured, contact your insurance company.
• Try to locate valuable documents and records.

You will need a Fire Damage and Restoration team. Contact SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603-298-6942 24 hours a day.

The 5 most common causes of water damage in your home

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

There are so many things that can damage your home! Wind,Earthquakes,Fires,Storms and Water.

Water Damage being the most frequent of all!

Here are the 5 most common causes of water damage in your home:

Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner might seem to be working just fine, but it’s important to adhere to regular service dates (at least once each
year) to ensure nothing is malfunctioning behind the scenes. Your A/C removes moisture from the air, and sometimes that moisture builds up within the A/C itself. If not properly drained, that water
could be slowly leaking into your home potentially ruining the flooring and drywall and, in many cases, introducing mold.

Dishwasher

Dishwashers are another possible culprit of water damage in your home. Your dishwasher can cause water damage if not properly sealed, meaning that the latch is broken, or if it was loaded with the wrong soap. Make sure that any leaks are immediately addressed and that your dishwasher is repaired or replaced ASAP.

Washing Machine

Perform regular checks on your washing machine, inspecting beneath the unit as well as behind it. Make sure all fittings are securely connected, and that the underbelly of the washing machine isn’t
leaking any water beneath the unit. If you have an older washing machine that gives you frequent issues, consider replacing it altogether.

Leaking Pipes

It might seem obvious, but water damage in the home is often caused by leaky pipes. Let’s pretend that you have a loose-fitting pipe under the kitchen sink or in the bathroom, and you’ve just recently water pooling in that area. Don’t wait to call a plumber – a leak in one place in your home could signify leaks in other areas, too. 

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains aren’t just annoying, they also cause water damage
(and mold growth) if left unchecked. If your toilet is clogged, it means that not only can you not use the toilet, but you will likely also experience water backing up into the shower, sinks, or bathroom floor. Sewer water is extremely dangerous because it contains raw sewage and bacteria, and must be cleaned up by a professional.

If your kitchen sink drain is backing up, you can experience sink overflow and subsequent damages to your kitchen flooring and
cabinetry. Make sure to seek professional help when experiencing frequent drain clogs so you don’t have to deal with water damage to your home on top of the clog itself.

If you are experiencing leaks in your home Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton today at 603-298-6942.

Weather Related Disasters are on the rise!

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

Research shows since 1980, the occurrence of weather related disasters has increased by more than 230 percent.

According to AccuWeather, natural disasters have affected 217 million people every single year since 1990.

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss division is composed of our best of the best in restoration.
Our elite large loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United states to handle any size disaster.

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado,hurricane,blizzard or flood.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers,along with the resources of more than 1,650 franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

Should a storm or major event strike, call 603-298-6942.

Like it never even happened.
http://www.SERVPROlebanonhanoverlittleton.com

Be prepared when disaster strikes!

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Profile

Be Prepared with the SERVPRO Emergency Readiness Program!

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are “Ready for whatever happens”

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency Readiness Profile,
can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.

Disasters and emergencies always strike without warning. Preparation is an important key for making it through any size disasters. It is best to plan ahead before any disasters strikes.

In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your
facility.

The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut- off valve locations and priority areas.

The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future. By downloading the free SERVPRO Ready App, this information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your
mobile device, making help just a few clicks away.

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood.

Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster. Don't wait until disaster strikes.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

Here To Help!

24 Hour Emergency Service!

SERVICE RESPONSE GUIDELINES

Damage of any kind to your business; especially fire or water damage, can be stressful for owners, property managers, employees and tenants.
Property damage, equipment damage, document loss and temporary business closure are just some of the concerns you may experience.
Timely response and thorough mitigation can alleviate these concerns.

The first 24 hours can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your business property and belongings. SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines can prevent Fire/Water damage from creating long term problems.

1 - Within 1 hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton Professional contacts you to arrange for
services.

4 - Within 4 hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professional is on-site to start mitigation services.

8 - Within 8 business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope is communicated to the appropriate person.

**Exceptions may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Water Damage? Call Us Today - (603) 298-6942.

HELP My basement is flooded.

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement

What are some of the things that SERVPRO can do when I have a flood in my basement?

• Flooded Basement dry Out
• Pump Deep Water
• Carpet Water removal
• Moisture Test walls
• Set up Drying Equipment
• Apply Antimicrobials
• Test Drying Complete

Even if you have an unfinished basement, leaving water or moisture can cause damage to the rest of the structure.

Imagine the condensation that could happen when it's 90* outside. The concrete or cement blocks used to construct basements are susceptible to mold growth as well as odor.

Imagine all of the exposed framing.

Framing lumber does and will absorb moisture and thus, grow mold. The metal framing ties may not be porous enough for mold growth; but they will corrode.

How about the plumbing and wiring?

Again, any metal parts can and most likely will corrode with excess moisture in the air.

The insulation! Perfect for mold growth!

So the takeaway here is,Always remove excess water,dry quickly and apply appropriate antimicrobials.

If you have a flooding situation, SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton are prepared and ready! Call 603-298-6942 24hours a day, 365 days a year!

Got Mold? Call SERVPRO!

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

Got Mold?

Mold can grow under multiple conditions present in our buildings every day.

Moisture, however, is the foremost factor that causes mold growth.

Mold spores live and grow through moisture and high levels of humidity. If these conditions are not addressed immediately - within 48 hours, mold will continue to return.

These fungi can also produce a musty odor. We specialize in water and mold mitigation and restoration. Our advanced mold remediation equipment and restoration processes help to detect and handle the source of the water problem.

Each mold infestation requires a particular solution.

Our highly trained professionals use an exacting system of inspection, assessment, containment, air filtration, removing mold infested materials, disinfecting, and cleaning your belongings.

We can perform various types of minor and major repairs. To save our customers stress, time and costs expense, SERVPRO can handle the entire mold remediation service.
We can handle the initial damage mitigation and the rebuilding, including sanitizing and deodorizing of all affected areas. Our AMRT, Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians are,IICRC certified, with advanced corporate and franchise training. We are also experienced in dealing with your insurance company, and we can assist you in these matters if applicable. We can even assist you with your paperwork for your claim.

Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton with any questions that you may have. We are available with 24-hour emergency service – including holidays. We are locally owned and operated, which means when you call us, we can respond quickly with the help that you need. Don't try to tackle a mold situation yourself call the pros at SERVPRO. (603) 298-6942.

SERVPRO is there for Commercial/Large Loss Restorations!

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Large Loss

COMMERCIAL/LARGE LOSS RESTORATION

This term refers to commercial buildings, schools, nursing homes, multi-unit buildings and can even mean residential property if it is of a usually large size. It includes events such as fire, smoke, burst
pipes, heating unit puff-backs, biological occurrences such as bodily fluids, sewer back-ups mold/growth infestation; odor problems and even
animal invasions or inhabitants.

We understand how overwhelming everything can seem in a time of crisis. SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is here for you with trained technicians to make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial/Large Loss Restoration Services Include:

• Securing the building/facility
• Temporary utility services (Power, Lights, Heating, Plumbing)
• Debris removal
• Complete or partial pack-out of electronics, belongings, documents, equipment, etc. as required.
• Water extraction and drying/ dehumidification.
• Structure and content cleaning
• Deodorization, disinfection, and odor removal
• Repairs and reconstruction

Restoration Process:

Once the emergency is dealt with; damaged materials removed, content protected, packed and stowed and the drying equipment installed, we move onto the restoration phase. This is where we work with insurance adjusters, specialty tradespeople, owners, and property managers to identify the necessary repairs, develop a scope of work and estimate
the costs.

Estimating Process:

The estimating process is actually a fairly smooth process because SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton, Insurance adjusters and many tradespeople use the industry standard software, Xactimate, which provides pricing, calculating formulas and concise descriptions that
define the materials and services with each line item. This insures everyone is "comparing apples to apples".

Because time is critical in protection materials and content, you want to hire a company that is experienced, knowledgeable and equipped to
do necessary work. Quickly and correctly. Thus, getting your company/facility/business back up and running with the least interruption.

That company is SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton

To find out more about SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton Commercial/Large Loss Services Click Here.

Why SERVPRO? Because SERVPRO Cares

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

Take Precautions against Harmful Mold!

Cold weather is upon us! The time of year where we all batten down the hatches to stay warm. While you're preparing your home for the cold months ahead, Check for any hidden moisture or suspicious growths that may be lurking before you close it all in with you.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professionals handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time. If your property has
sustained a recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly. If there is an ongoing moisture
problem in the building, it is important to be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold
• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present.
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused.
• Undetected mold growth
• Excessive humidity

If you think you might have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942 in the Upper Valley and
surrounding area, or 603.444.7900 for the Littleton surrounding areas. Our service technicians are trained in mold remediation and
will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold growth. In the event mold is found, we can determine the best route for remediation.

SERVPRO CARES

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton cares about proper restoration of your structure. In most water damage situations excessive mold
growth is not a problem and SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton can
safely restore your building to preloss condition. The need to address the presence of mold can only be determined by an on-site,
indoor environmental inspection.

To learn more about mold remediation Click Here

The cold is here! Some tips on how to protect your pipes from freezing!!

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

The weather is changing here in the Northeast and we all have preparations to do before the upcoming snow and plummeting temperatures. Sometimes overlooked, Our pipes!

Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands in water damage—easily $5,000 or more, according to the "Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety".

Research conducted by the "Building Research Council at the University of Illinois" shows that the “temperature alert threshold” is 20° F, especially if you have uninsulated pipes running through an uninsulated space.

Here are some tips to help you keep those pipes in running order:

• Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night. Again, during a cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill.
• If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas. And to prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates, where the house rests on its foundation.

Even with all of the preparations,pipes can freeze and burst, leading to water damage. Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton 24hrs a day at 603-298-6942.

Is Dirty Ductwork the Culprit?

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Estimates made by the World Health Organization say that poor indoor air
quality cost $60 Billion in employee sick leave and lost production.

The ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air
quality, inspecting the ductwork must be a high priority.

In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much
attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and
irritating dust throughout your office building.

Another problem that affects ductwork in commercial businesses is when input
and output vents become blocked by boxes, equipment, furniture or dust. This
reduces the free flow of air through ducting systems and, by association,
reduces air circulation throughout the entire commercial building.

Part of your responsibility to the tenants, workers, and/or students who work
and play in your buildings includes proper maintenance and prompt response to
any situation that could cause illness or health concerns.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton can help:

• Remediate bacteria, fungi and mold
• Reduce potential for mold growth
• Restore peak energy efficiency
• Eliminate offensive odors

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton will inspect your HVAC system and
ductwork. This inspection can save you money and provide peace of mind on the
health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

To schedule a duct cleaning call 603-298-6942.

Crime scene clean up facts

10/15/2018 (Permalink)

Crime scene cleanup is a term applied to forensic cleanup of blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials.

CTS decon is a market within the cleaning industry, and it involves cleaning up dangerous material.

It is also referred to as biohazard remediation, and forensic cleanup, because crime scenes are only a portion of the situations in which biohazard cleaning is needed.

Incidents which may require this type of cleanup include accidents, suicide, homicides, and decomposition after unattended death.

This could mean the biologically contaminated scene of a violent death (homicide, suicide or accidental), the chemically contaminated scene of a methamphetamine lab, Or the residues left from a crime scene.

Crime-scene cleaners come in and restore the scene to its pre-incident state, also known as remediation.

Some of the cleaning services include:

• Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals.
• Tear gas and pepper spray residues.
• Fire extinguisher residue.
• Blood, bodily fluids, and tissue remnants.

After the police have completed processing a crime or accident scene, the cleaning and restoring can begin.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton will respond immediately with a crew that follows OSHA and EPA protocols and is specially trained and equip to safely clean crime scenes. If you find yourself in need of this service and need help with cleanup, call 603-298-6942.

The Facts about hoarding

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

Hoarding

Here at SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton; We frequently get asked about
hoarding and the clean up process. In lieu of just going over the cleaning
process, Lets go over some facts about hoarding,So that if you are ever faced
with this situation; You may find yourself in a better position to help.
According to the "International OCD Foundation":

What is compulsive hoarding?

Compulsive hoarding includes ALL three of the following:

1. A person collects and keeps a lot of items, even things that appear useless
   or of little value to most people, and
2. These items clutter the living spaces and keep the person from using their
   rooms as they were intended, and
3. These items cause distress or problems in day-to-day activities.

How is hoarding different from collecting?

• In hoarding, people seldom seek to display their possessions, which are
  usually kept in disarray.
• In collecting, people usually proudly display their collections and keep them
  well organized.

What are the signs of compulsive hoarding?

• Difficulty getting rid of items
• A large amount of clutter in the office, at home, in the car, or in other
  spaces (i.e. storage units) that makes it difficult to
  use furniture or appliances or move around easily
• Losing important items like money or bills in the clutter.
• Feeling overwhelmed by the volume of possessions that have ‘taken over’ the
  house or workspace.
• Being unable to stop taking free items, such as advertising flyers or sugar
  packets from restaurants.
• Buying things because they are a “bargain” or to “stock up”
• Not inviting family or friends into the home due to shame or embarrassment.
• Refusing to let people into the home to make repairs.

What makes getting rid of clutter difficult for hoarders?

• Difficulty organizing possessions
• Unusually strong positive feelings (joy, delight) when getting new items.
• Strong negative feelings (guilt, fear, anger) when considering getting rid of
  items.
• Strong beliefs that items are “valuable” or “useful”, even when other people
  do not want them.
• Feeling responsible for objects and sometimes thinking of inanimate objects
  as having feelings.
• Denial of a problem even when the clutter or acquiring clearly interferes
  with a person’s life

Who struggles with hoarding behavior?

Hoarding behaviors can begin as early as the teenage years, although the
average age of a person seeking treatment for
hoarding is about 50. Hoarders often endure a lifelong struggle with hoarding.
They tend to live alone and may have a
family member with the problem. It seems likely that serious hoarding problems
are present in at least 1in 50 people, but
they may be present in as many as 1 in 20. 

Are hoarding and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) related?

Compulsive hoarding was commonly considered to be a type of OCD. Some estimate
that as many as 1 in 4 people with
OCD also have compulsive hoarding. Recent research suggests that nearly 1 in 5
compulsive hoarders have non-hoarding
OCD symptoms. Compulsive hoarding is also considered a feature of obsessive
compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)
and may develop along with other mental illnesses, such as dementia and
schizophrenia. 

What kinds of things do people hoard?

Most often, people hoard common possessions, such as paper (e.g., mail,
newspapers), books, clothing and containers (e.g.,
boxes, paper and plastic bags). Some people hoard garbage or rotten food. More
rarely, people hoard animals or human
waste products. Often the items collected are valuable but far in excess of
what can reasonably be used.

What are the effects of hoarding?

• Severe clutter threatens the health and safety of those living in or near the
  home, causing health problems, structural
  damage, fire, and even death.
• Expensive and emotionally devastating evictions or other court actions can
  lead to hospitalizations or homelessness
• Conflict with family members and friends who are frustrated and concerned
  about the state of the home and the hoarding behaviors.

Can compulsive hoarding be treated?

Yes, compulsive hoarding can be treated. Unfortunately it has not responded
well to the usual treatments that work for OCD.
Strategies to treat hoarding include:

• Challenging the hoarder’s thoughts and beliefs about the need to keep items
  and about collecting new things.
• Going out without buying or picking up new items.
• Getting rid of and recycling clutter. First, by practicing the removal of
  clutter with the help of a clinician or coach and then independently removing clutter.
• Finding and joining a support group or teaming up with a coach to sort and
  reduce clutter.
• Understanding that relapses can occur.
• Developing a plan to prevent future clutter.

How do I have a conversation with my friend of family member who is ready to
talk about hoarding?

When a person seems willing to talk about a hoarding problem, follow these
guidelines:

• Respect. Acknowledge that the person has a right to make their own decisions
  at their own pace.
• Have sympathy. Understand that everyone has some attachment to the things
  they own. Try to understand the importance of their items to them.
• Encourage. Come up with ideas to make their home safer, such as moving
  clutter from doorways and halls.
• Team up with them. Don’t argue about whether to keep or discard an item;
  instead, find out what will help motivate the person to discard or organize.
• Ask. To develop trust, never throw anything away without asking permission.

More information can be found at https://iocdf.org/

If you are faced with helping a family member who needs to clean their home
after a hoarding situation, call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton. We can
take you through the process and ensure that everything is handled
professionally and as quickly as possible 603-298-6942.

Fire Prevention Week

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week is October 7th through October 13th

The weather is turning colder here in the Northeast! We have to remain vigilant with our fire safety. Here are some tips on staying on top of all things fire related.

Protect Your Family with Smoke Detectors.

• Installing and maintaining smoke detectors is still the most important step you can take to protect your family from fire death or injury.
• The detector should be no more than ten years old. You can check the date on the back of the unit. Test the batteries monthly, and replace often. Install them in all bedrooms, hallways outside bedrooms, and on each level of your home.
• There are two types of smoke detectors: photoelectric and ionization. Photoelectric works better with slower, smoldering fires, while the ionization type is more suited to faster, flaming fires. Most experts recommend that you have both in your home.

Have an Escape Plan

• Take the time to plan an escape route for everyone in the home, designating a “meet up spot” outside.
• The key to any escape plan is practice,practice and more practice!
• Kids love games and challenges. Record the time it takes everyone to make it from their beds to the meetup spot, and then try to beat that time. The more often you practice, the more likely your children are to follow the plan, rather than freeze in panic or confusion when every second counts. Set your calendar to remind you to practice monthly.

Fire Extinguishers are a must!

• Two out of five home fires begin in the kitchen. Never leave a kitchen when food is cooking, especially on the burners.ALWAYS keep a fire extinguisher close by!
• Have your chimneys cleaned regularly, and be very careful with portable space heaters. Make sure they are several feet away from drapes, clothing, or anything that could catch fire.
• Never smoke in bed or while lying down.
• Inspect your appliance cords. If any are torn, ripped, or damaged in any way, replace them immediately. If a cord or plug ever feels hot, unplug it.

Prevention is the key to your safety..

Are you prepared??

October is National Breast Cancer awareness month

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.

The good news is that most women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of detecting breast cancer early. Make a difference! Spread the word!

What Are the Symptoms?

• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
• Pain in any area of the breast.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood).
• A new lump in the breast or underarm.

There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all.

Early detection is key!

Know your risk factors.

• Talk to both sides of your family to learn about your family health history.
• Talk to a doctor about your risk of breast cancer.

Get screened.

• Talk with a doctor about which screening tests are right for you if you are at higher risk.
• Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk.
• Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40.

Make healthy lifestyle choices.

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Add exercise into your routine.
• Limit alcohol intake
• Limit menopausal hormone use

Know what is normal for you and see a Doctor if you notice ANY changes in your breasts.

Chemical Spill and bio-hazard cleanup Tips

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

Preparedness is essential!

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health
consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to
unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton have
professionals trained to safely clean and remove bio-hazardous substances and
dispose of them in accordance with OSHA and all health regulations.

Familiarize yourself and your employees with these simple steps in the case of a spill:

• Make sure everyone is alerted to the spill
• Determine the chemical nature of the spill, and check the Material Safety Data
  Sheet (MSDS). Remember that sometimes determining whether or not a waste is a
  “hazardous waste” is difficult, and that the best policy is to assume all
  chemicals should be handled as hazardous waste.
• Make sure any electrical and spark producing equipment is turned off.
• If there’a fire, use the fire extinguisher right away.
• If appropriate, outfit yourself and employees in protective equipment or hazmat
  gear, including respirator, safety goggles and gloves.
• If appropriate, evacuate yourself and your employees. If the chemical spilled
  is toxic, volatile, or flammable, evacuation should be carried out immediately;
  If the chemical spilled is hazardous or highly toxic, alert all appropriate
  authorities and call 911.
• In the case of a small spill, create a barrier around the spill with absorbent
  materials such as paper towels, vermiculite, or sand.
• Put up signs to prevent access to the contaminated area and warn of danger.

If your business has a policy or plan in place for these kinds of events, make
sure you know it well! If you do not have a plan of action in place or need a
more comprehensive and detailed plan to go along with what you already have;
contact SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton and we will provide you with an
Emergency Ready Profile at no cost to your business.

Children's Charity Cookout

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Dave Lyons charity cookout

Dave Lyons Charity Cookout

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to everyone who visited us for the Dave Lyons Charity Cookout Yesterday!
With your generous donations, we will be able to help Declan and Madison with their educations.

It was a beautiful and utterly perfect day!

Every bit of the food was soooo yummy. Starting with what Brandon and Angela cooked up from Maple Street Catering and Big Fatty's, to those delicious Salads that Michelle and The Cave tossed up ...( Pun intended )... To the decadent deserts delivered by Melissa, Sarah and the whole gang at Gadue's Dry Cleaning!

We can't thank you enough for helping to bring this amazing day together.

Having Michelle, Jesse, Amy and a whole lot of Dave's friends spend the day with us, made it all the more special.

..... A personal note from Gordon ( ya, that's me ) to the Ownership, Production Crew and Office Staff here at SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton.

Guys! Thank you all for your efforts. Even while making it "Like it never even happened." you managed to lend me a hand and honor Dave in a way the Big Man would be so proud of. 
Thanks Team!

West Newbury Firefighters Association "Gunther Wenecke" Benefit Golf Tournament

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Gunther Wenecke Golf Tournament

24th Annual West Newbury Firefighters' Association "Gunther Wenecke" Golf Tournament

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton had the privilege to be a Sponsor at this Fun Event. We had a great time and want to thank the Firefighters and all guests for allowing us to participate.

A fun day was had by all who attended, And the weather couldn't have been better! Sponsoring events with SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is always a highlight!

First Place goes to.....
Brett Barselle , President, Colby Insurance Group / Rich Agency
Aaron Rich, Vice President, Rich Agency / Colby Insurance Group
Randy Odell, Owner, Odell Insurance Agency Inc.
and
our Gordon Brown.
Gordon tells us that he didn't contribute to the win... but did an EXCELLENT job not crashing the cart on Randy!

10th Annual AirPark Block Party

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Block Party

BLOCK PARTY BLOWOUT!

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton volunteered at the 10th Annual Block Party, hosted by Mike Seiler from M2S. We supplied some yummy desserts, as well as donating 2 gift certificates for a carpet cleaning! 

A fun day was had by all who came by, And the weather couldn't have been better! Sponsoring events with SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is always a highlight! Being a part of a community that helps each other is very rewarding.

All proceeds benefit the Prouty and Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center!

Sponsors Included: 

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton, M2S, Bio X Cell, Rocess USA, EDF Distributed Solutions, Bill Westgate, Moe's, Big Fatty's BBQ, Hanover Massage, Pro-Cut, Paul Auger, CCBA, Capital Cando Co., Chili's, Koto Japanese Steakhouse, McDonald's, Technica USA/Rollerblade USA and Woodstock Soapstone Co.

13th Annual Chamber Cup Golf Tournament for the Littleton Area Chamber

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Chamber Cup Golf Tournament

Music Sponsor for Golf Event!

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton sponsored the music for the 13th Annual Chamber Cup Golf Tournament for the Littleton Area Chamber, held at The Maplewood, in Bethlehem NH.

The event was a huge success and fun was had by all. Gordon had the pleasure of being teammates with a Retired Engineer, An Air Traffic Controller and Nathan Karol, Executive Director for the Littleton Area Chamber of Commerce.

The day was perfect weather wise, sitting at just about 72 degrees and just a hint of a breeze.

The above mentioned weather didn't help Gordons game, but his partners suffered through and managed to keep the team at about mid pack.  

We only tease.... Gordon isn't all that bad. He isn't all that good either, but what can ya do?  

:) :) 

We look forward to next year and being able to be a part of this terrific event for the Littleton Chamber and Community.

Protect your home from sewer backups!

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Sewer backups can wreak havoc in your home and SERVPRO is Here to Help!

Most homeowners don't realize that they are responsible for the maintenance
and repair of their house and sewer pipe(lateral)that is, the pipeline between the city sanitary sewer main (which is usually located in the street) and the
building.

What causes sewer backups?

• Aging sewer systems. The American Society of Civil Engineers indicates that
  the nation's 500,000-plus miles of sewer lines are on average over thirty years
  old. The increase in the number of homes connected to already aging sewage
  systems has also contributed to rapid increases in sanitary sewer backups,
  flooded basements and overflows.
• Combined pipelines. Problems arise in systems that combine storm water and raw
  sewage into the same pipeline. During many rain storms, the systems are exposed
  to more volume than they can handle, and the result is a sewage backup
  situation that allows sewage to spew out into basements and other low lying
  drains.
• Tree roots. Seeking moisture, small roots of trees and shrubs make their way
  into sewer line cracks and service pipe joints, they can cause extensive damage
  or blockages as they grow larger. The cost of the clean-up will fall to the
  problem tree's owner. When the issue is a result of a combination of city and
  private trees, the costs are sometimes split between the city and the property
  owner.

How you can prevent backups

• Properly dispose of grease.Cooking oil should be poured into a heat-resistant
  container and disposed of properly after it cools off, not in the drain.
  Washing grease down the drain with hot water is unsatisfactory. As the grease
  cools off, it will solidify either in the drain, the property owner's line, or
  in the main sewer causing the line to constrict and eventually clog.
• Properly dispose of paper products. Paper towels, disposable (and cloth)
  diapers, hygienic wipes and feminine products do not deteriorate quickly and
  can cause a great deal of trouble in the property owner's lateral as well as in
  the city main.
• Periodically cut tree roots. If you have continuing problems with tree roots in your lateral pipe, you may have to regularly have the roots cut by a professional.
• Replace your line with new plastic pipe.Plastic pipe will prevent tree roots from entering your line. 

A sewer backup can lead to disease, destruction of your valuables, damage to your house or business,Creating a biohazard situation! Prompt cleanup of affected property will help minimize the inconvenience and prevent
mold or further damage and should include.

• Wet-vacuuming or removal of spillage
• Mopping floors and wiping walls with soap and disinfectant.
• Flushing out and disinfecting plumbing fixtures
• Steam cleaning or removing wet carpets or drapes.
• Repairing or removing damaged wallboard or wall covering.
• Cleanup of ductwork

If you experience a sewer backup situation,contact SERVPRO of
Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton. We are Here to Help! Click Here 

Like it never even happened.

Hurricane season is here!

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Hurricane preparations aren't just for our neighbors in the South!

We do not get very many hurricanes here in New England, but that doesn't mean that we should ignore them! We need to prepare for the season as well. We very often feel the tail ends of these storms, and with that comes wind and WATER. Often times, A LOT of rain. We may not need to batten down the hatches so to speak, But we DO need to protect our homes from potential WATER and STORM damage.

Here are some steps that you can take to prepare and protect your home.

Inspect and Repair Your Roof

A leaky roof can cause a lot more damage to your house than unsightly water stains on the ceiling. Roof leaks keep attic insulation wet, which can lead to rot and mold.

The unseen damage caused by roof leaks is often worse than what meets the eye, so it’s important to have it fixed as soon as possible. Having a reputable roofing contractor inspect your roof, check for undetected leaks, and make any needed repairs can prevent more costly damage down the road.

Document Your Possessions

Take a picture or video of your possessions. This is invaluable for Insurance claims after the storm.

Keep all important records and documents in water proof containers and if you can, maintain a digital copy of all important records and keep them in a waterproof safe or safety deposit box away from your house.

Trim Your Trees

To help prevent storm damage to your home, it’s important to trim tree branches that are growing near or hanging over your home to prevent them from breaking and crashing through the roof or damaging your siding during a storm.

Check to make sure all trees and large shrubs are alive and well, and remove any dead limbs or unhealthy plants.

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

It’s important to make sure to keep your gutters clean, repair any gutter leaks, and check regularly to see that they drain properly.

In addition, inspect your downspouts, remove any downspout clogs, and use splash blocks or downspout extension pipes to make sure the water is directed well away from your house foundation.

Protect Your Foundation and Basement

To help keep your basement dry and prevent flooding around your home, make sure the ground slopes away from your home’s foundation by at least 6” over the first 10’. In addition, consider having a sump pump installed in your basement to remove any ground water that may seep in.

In the case that water does find its way inside your basement, leave a 1/2″ to 1” gap between the bottom of the drywall and the basement floor to prevent moisture from creeping up the wallboard and causing mold to grow within the walls. Hide the gap with strips of wood molding or rubberized floor trim.

If you have appliances, such as a washer and dryer or a furnace in your basement, make sure that they are high enough off of the basement floor level to avoid damage.Consider putting them on cinder blocks.

Even with the best preparations in the world; Mother Nature sometimes wins! If you find your home has suffered STORM and or WATER damage contact SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton. We are prepared and READY to handle your needs. To contact us Click here.

Like it never even happened.

Winter is approaching fast! Prevent Storm Damage today!

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

What You Need to Know About Preventing Winter Storm Damage

We all love a snow day!! But the reality is that major winter storms can wreak havoc in our everyday lives, causing inconvenience, discomfort and expensive damage. Keep your home protected from these disruptions by following these tips.

Keep gutters clear

• This keeps ice from building up in the gutters and contributing to the formation of ice dams, which may cause water to back up underneath shingles.
• Trim trees and shrubs back far enough so that they will not rub against or fall onto your roof or siding, even if weighed down with snow and ice. Remember, safety first. Call a professional if you need help.

Inspect the roof

• Keep an eye out for damaged shingles and roof flashing that can allow water and ice into your home.
• Ventilate the attic and insulate the attic floor to stop warm air in the house from melting snow and ice on the roof.

Check your Chimney

• Wind and heavy rains can lead to a leaky chimney and related water damage. Be sure your chimney has a chimney cap installed, and have the brick and mortar inspected periodically.
• The freeze/thaw cycle will eventually cause cracks.
• If your chimney is leaning, Get it repaired.

Invest in a roof rake

• If large amounts of snow accumulate on your roof, consider using a roof rake to remove some of the load that can cause leaks and even lead to collapse. 
• Check for loose or missing shingles.

Insulate pipes

• Look for exposed water supply lines that are located in unheated areas and exterior walls. Wrap them with an insulating pipe sleeve or heat tape to stop the pipes from freezing and bursting in very cold weather.
• Let water trickle from faucets connected to exposed pipes that run through unheated spaces to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air circulation around the pipes.

Find the main water valve

• Know where the main water valve is located (typically in the basement or outside near the curb) so you can turn water off quickly if a pipe bursts.

Keep walkways clear

• Ensure personal safety after a storm hits by clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, steps and driveways. Treat these surfaces with rock salt or deicing products.
• For more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways, visit the EPA website for a complete list of recommended products. https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/products

 To learn more about storm damage cleanup and restoration, contact:  SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942

Storm Protection

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

Living in New Hampshire or Vermont we don't see very many tornadoes.  

However, you can never be too careful, and being prepared for ANY storm disaster is always a good idea! Here in New Hampshire and Vermont, we need to be ready for windstorms, flash flooding, hurricanes and strong thunderstorms.Hurricane season usually runs from June 1 to November 30th.Here are some safety precaution tips for strong thunderstorms.

Act Now to be Prepared

• Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby cities. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis.
• Have disaster supplies on hand, including:
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Battery operated radio.
• First aid kit and manual.
• Emergency food and water.
• Non-electric can opener.
• Essential medicines.
• Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards.

Before the Storm

• Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended periods outdoors.
• If a storm is approaching, keep a NOAA Weather Radio or AM/FM radio with you.
• Postpone outdoor activities if storms are imminent.
• Check on neighbors who require special assistance: infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

During the Storm

• Remember: If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
• Move to a sturdy building or car. Do Not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
• If lightning occurs and sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep the windows up.
• Get out of boats and away from water.
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Use phones only in an emergency.
• Do not take a bath or shower.
• Turn off air conditioners. Power can overload the compressors.
• Get to higher ground if flash flooding or flooding is possible. Do Not attempt to drive to safety. Most flash flooding deaths occur in automobiles.
• If you are caught outdoors and no shelter is nearby.
• Find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
• If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible; minimize your contact with the ground.

After the Storm

• Check on neighbors who may require special assistance: infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
• Avoid all downed power lines. Assume that all have live electricity.
• Continue to monitor NOAA Weather Radio and your local media for latest weather updates.

For more information on storm damage and cleanup Click Here.

Or contact SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942.

How to prevent water damage

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

Whether it's a little water or a lot of water, the damage can be costly!

Protecting your home from water damage!

Ensure Good Drainage. Poor drainage weakens your foundation, causing cracks, uneven settling, and pathways for water to enter your home.

Clean your gutters routinely

A clogged gutter will send cascades of water down the side of your house, damaging your siding and foundation.

Ensure your downspouts direct water 5 to 10 feet away from your house.

Make sure your yard is sloped at least 6 inches over a 10-foot span away from your foundation. That slope keeps water from getting down right next to your foundation, where it could cause walls to lean, crack the masonry, and create leaks. (For crawl spaces, keeping water away makes sure excess water doesn’t pool underneath your floor, making for damp conditions that encourage mold, rot, and insects.)

But don’t let the soil get too dry, either. Long dry spells let the soil around your house dry out and shrink. A big rain may make the soil expand, putting pressure on your foundation walls. In a drought, run a soaker hose at least 6 inches from the foundation and 3 inches under the soil to keep the soil from contracting and expanding.

Test Your Sump Pump Regularly

How to test your sump pump:

Slowly fill the sump pump pit with water. Watch for the “float” (similar to the float in your toilet) to rise, which should turn on the pump. Then watch to make sure the water level falls.

Test your backup pump the same way, but unplug the main pump first.

If you don’t have a backup pump — or a generator — and are on municipal water, get one that runs on water pressure. If you’re on well water, your only option is the battery kind.

Check for Water Leaks and Fix Them.

Persistent leaks lead to mold and mildew, rot, and even termites and carpenter ants (they like chewing soggy wood, since it’s soft). Yet if you fix a leak soon after it starts, there may be no long-term damage at all.

How to check for leaks:

Check for dark spots under pipes inside sink cabinets, stains on ceilings, toilets that rock, and of course drips.

At least once a year, inspect your roof. Repair missing, loose, and damaged shingles. Repair any cracked caulking and check for leaks around flashing.

For more information on water damage and cleanup Click Here

Or contact SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942

Some facts about mold

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

FACTS!

• Mold or mold spores can be found virtually everywhere. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores. You can, however, control growth by controlling moisture.
• Mold will begin to grow 24-48 hours after material becomes moist so call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/ Littleton AS SOON AS your water loss is discovered!
• Optimum indoor humidity is 30-60%          
• Ways to facilitate optimum humidity level: Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
• Increasing ventilation Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
• If you see mold on hard surfaces; clean with water and detergent and dry thoroughly.  
• If mold contaminates a porous material, the item often needs to be removed and discarded. If the material is deemed salvageable, it must be completely dried, properly and thoroughly cleaned and sealed to ensure removal/encapsulation of the contaminant.

To Learn more about Mold Remediation click here.

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

When Storms or Floods hit our Communities SERVPRO is READY!

8/25/2018 (Permalink)

Storm truck

When Storms or Floods Hit

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Our Communities, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel form a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 603.298.6942

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp #SERVPROCares

To learn more about storm clean up and response click here

GOT MOLD!

8/25/2018 (Permalink)

Got Mold?

Mold can grow under multiple conditions present in our buildings every day.  Moisture, however, is the foremost factor that causes mold growth.

•  Mold spores live and grow through moisture and high levels of humidity. If these conditions are not addressed immediately - within 48 hours, mold will continue to return. These fungi can also produce a musty odor. We specialize in water and mold mitigation and restoration. Our advanced mold remediation equipment and restoration processes help to detect and handle the source of the water problem. 
• Each mold infestation requires a particular solution. Our highly trained professionals use an exacting system of inspection, assessment, containment, air filtration, removing mold infested materials, disinfecting, and cleaning your belongings.  We can perform various types of minor and major repairs. To save our customers stress, time and costs expense, SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton can handle the entire mold remediation service. We can handle the initial damage mitigation and the rebuilding, including sanitizing and deodorizing of all affected areas. Our AMRT, Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians, are IICRC certified, with advanced corporate and franchise training. We are also experienced in dealing with your insurance company, and we can assist you in these matters if applicable. We can even assist you with your paperwork for your claim.
• Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton with any questions that you may have. We are available with 24-hour emergency service – including holidays. We are locally owned and operated, which means when you call us, we can respond quickly with the help that you need. Don't try to tackle a mold situation yourself call the pros at SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton. (603) 298-6942.

What to do when a fire strikes!

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage

When fire strikes..Fight back!

A catastrophic event doesn't knock on your door first; Rebuilding your life AFTER A FIRE comes with uncertainty, stress and doubt about the future of your property.

Flames cause damage, ash, soot and smoke residue.

There are many types of smoke.

Wet Smoke - Plastics and Rubbers                                               Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry smoke - Paper and Wood                                                           Fast burning, high temptures, heat rises therefore the smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue- Produced by evaporation of materials rather than from a Fire.                                                                       Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

From a little fire to a total loss SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professionals will beable to help you in the unfortunate event that your home or business gets ravaged by fire.

The most important thing to remember AFTER A FIRE in your home or business is to contact SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton 603.298.6942

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

SERVPRO EMERGENCY READY PROGRAM

8/4/2018 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Profile (ERP)

Be Prepared with the SERVPRO Emergency Readiness Program

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are “Ready for whatever happens”

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency Readiness Profile, can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.

Disasters and emergencies always strike without warning. Preparation is an important key for making it through any size disasters. It is best to plan ahead before any disasters strikes.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are "Ready for whatever happens."

In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations and priority areas. The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future. By downloading the free SERVPRO Ready App, this information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your mobile device, making help just a few clicks away.

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster,

Whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster. Don't wait until disaster strikes.

Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942 to establish your Emergency READY Profile, and be "Ready for whatever happens" in your future.

#SERVPROoflebanonhanoverlittleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

There is no such thing as a small disaster!

8/4/2018 (Permalink)

Small water leak

With any leak it's the water you don't see that can cause the most damage!

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton will occasionally receive calls from customers with concern and worry about possible mold growth.  Upon inspection it will be noted that they had a small water leak "some time ago" that they chose to try and mitigate themselves.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professionals are trained to safely clean and restore homes and businesses utilizing the following procedures:

•Identify the Source/Type of water

•Measure temperature and humidity for drying analysis

•Survey the extent of damage and inspect the premises for hidden moisture

•Perform emergency water extraction

•Move and block furniture and contents

•Inspect carpet pad/carpet and provide service

•Apply necessary treatments (Disinfectants/Deodorization)

•Utilize advanced drying and monitoring equipment

•Dispose of Refuse

There is NO Such Thing as a SMALL DISASTER!

Especially when a small leak now could blossom into a large claim later.  Unseen water can soak through walls, seep through carpet and pool on subfloors, causing major problems over time. Instead of trusting intrained eyes, help ensure the value of your property by calling SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professionals have the equipment, training, and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages set in.  

To help SMALL LEAKS from becoming BIG PROBLEMS, call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

Cleaning Post-Construction

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

There’s nothing quite like a finished construction or remodel project! After weeks or months of chaos and messes, your project is finally done and ready to show off. But wait, what about the DUST?

During the process of construction, whether it is a new home, or a remodel, basically every square inch of the home gets covered in a film of dust. If you’ve ever tried to clean up sheetrock duct or the fine sawdust left from the finish work, you know it’s easier to fit a square peg in a round hole. It seems impossible to sweep, wipe, or vacuum post construction dust without simple stirring it up and re-spreading. We have the solution!

With our specialized products and equipment, we can make that finished project shine;

• Air Scrubbers
• Hepa Vacs and filters
• Duct Cleaning Vacuum
• High Pressure Steam Clearers
• SERVPRO RBT Drywall Dust Remover, Amor Guard and Wall and All to name a few.

A good post-construction clean targets these areas;

• Outside of the structure
• Walls, windows and Ceilings
• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Counters, Cabinets and Drawers
• Bathrooms
• Floors

So when your project is complete and in need of dust busting, who you gonna call? 

SERVPRO!  

603.298.6942

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

To learn more about how SERVPRO can help in your cpmmercial cleaning needs  Click Here!

What if the Storm Hit

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

When Storms or Floods Hit

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Our Communities, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel form a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 603.298.6942

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp #SERVPROCares

To learn more about storm clean up and response Click Here!!!

Commercial Services

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton offers cleaning and the restoring of commercial properties no matter the size!  We have technicians with the training and experience needed to handle any of your commercial needs. We not only have trained and certified technicians, we also have the proper equipment to make it “Like it never even happened!”  SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton has all the resources and expertise to give you excellent results and get your business back open sooner. Some examples of commercial properties that have used our services include:

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Retail Stores
• Large Big-Box Stores
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military
• Hotels
• Churches
• Schools

For more information on our commercial services Click Here!!

#likeitneverevenhappened #SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

26th Annual Golf Classic

6/7/2018 (Permalink)

Great day for Golf!

Beverage Cart Sponsorship at The 26th Annual Jim Wechsler Memorial Golf Classic

Water Damages come in a Variety of ways

6/7/2018 (Permalink)

Water damages come in a Variety of ways

 Water damages can happen at any time through out the year. They can happen from any number of different things such as:

•  water heaters 
•  refrigerators/Ice Makers
•  toilets
•  pipes
•  leaky roofs 
•  floods
•  ground water in basement
•  dishwashers
•  sump pumps
•  natural disasters

The dry out and clean up after water damages are important. Here at SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton we specialize in doing just that. Our technicians are IICRC certified to safely dry, clean and restore your home or business, using the following procedures:

• Identify the source/type of water-where the problem is 
• Measure temperature and humidity for drying analysis 
• Survey the extent of the damage and Inspect the premises fir hidden moisture. 
• Perform emergency water extraction
• Move and Block furniture & contents
• Inspect carpet pad/carpet and provide services
• Apply necessary treatments (disinfectants/deodorization)
• Utilize advanced drying and monitoring equipment 
• Dispose of refuse

 Water damages are a problem no matter how small they might seem. Water can soak through walls, and carpet causing problems over time. Here at SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton, our technicians have monitoring tools to detect water damages that may not be in plain sight. 

With any water damage, there is a risk for MOLD. It’s important that water is quickly removed and properly dried, ventilated and disinfected to inhibit the growth of bacteria.

If you have a water damage and are unsure of what to do Click here for more information! 

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

What to do about MOLD

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

What is Mold?

"Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth."

Some of the most common areas for mold to grow are:

•Antique shops

•Greenhouses

•Saunas

•Farms

•Mills

•Construction areas

•Flower shops

•Summer cottages

What you should NOT do?

• Do not touch or disturb the mold.
• Do not blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Do not attempt to dry the affected areas yourself.
• Do not spray bleach or any other disinfectant on the mold.

What you should do?

• Stay out of the affected areas and areas you suspect have hidden mold.
• Turn off the HVAC system and the fans.
• Leave the affected areas alone!
• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
•  Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery

Pleas call SERVPRO Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton if you suspect mold. We are here to help and make it "Like it never even happened."

For more information Click here!

Storm Safety

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

Living in New Hampshire or Vermont wedon't see many or highly destructive tornadoes. However, you can never be too careful, and being prepared for ANY storm disaster is always a good idea!The summer months Here in New Hampshire and Vermont, we need to be ready for windstorms, flash flooding, hurricanes/ tropicalstorms.Hurricane season usuallyruns from June 1 to November 30th.Here are some safety precautiontips for outdoors.

Safety precautions outdoors

• If the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms, postpone your trip or activity.
• Remember: When thunder roars, go indoors. Find a safe, enclosed shelter.
• The main lightning safety guide is the 30-30 rule. After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
• If no shelter is available, crouch low, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly over 100 feet away.
• Stay away from concrete floors or walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
  Although you should move into a non-concrete structure if possible, being indoors does not automatically protect you from lightning. In fact, about one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors.

Some safety precautions for indoors

Safety precautions indoors

• Avoid water during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through plumbing.
• Avoid electronic equipment of all types. Lightning can travel through electrical systems and radio and television reception systems.
• Avoid corded phones. However, cordless or cellular phones are safe to use during a storm.
• Avoid concrete floors and walls.

It is also a good idea to have a disaster supply kit ready as well. Things to include are:

• Water- 1 gallon, per person, per day
• Food- 3-7 days' worth of non perishable or canned food-with can manual can opener.
• Bedding- Blankets and pillows
• Clothing- Even when the weather is warm, for safety while cleaning and working, wearing long-sleeve or and pants are good to help protect your skin
• First aid kit- First aid kits are always important. In this situation bandages and sanitizer are the minimal to have at hand, however it is always better to have more!
• Cash- Always a good idea in a storm event to have some cash on hand.

Hurricanes, along with most storms, are unpredictable. Being prepared is always a good idea. You should have a an escape plan ready, somewhere to stay out of harms way. Making a list of items you own is also a good idea, along with photos of items. Keep more than one copy . Take necessary steps to protect your home or business. Having SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Plan is also a great idea!SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE

• Category 1- Winds from 74-95 mph. Minimal damage level
• Category 2- Winds from 96-110 mph. Moderate damage level
• Category 3- Winds from 111-130 mph. Extensive damage level
• Category 4- Winds from 131-155 mph. Extreme damage level
• Category 5- Winds that exceed 155 mph. Catastrophic damage level

For more information on Storm Damage and CleanupClick Here

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

IN CASE OF A FIRE

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

TIPS: in the case of a fire

Residents in an apartment building may face two situations. Either the fire could be in your apartment. OR the fire could be in another apartment in the building.

• CALL 9-1-1
• Make sure everyone is out and safe, including pets.
• Once you leave the fire do NOT go back in.
• Alert others in the building.
• Activate the fire alarm, if there is one.
• Close doors behind you, this will slow the spread of the fire.
• If you are in a multi-story building, do NOT use any elevators.
• If you become trapped in a room, these steps are recommended:

1. Keep door closed. Opening the door will decrease your chances of survival.
2. Stay low.
3. Wait by the window and identify your distress.
4. Do NOT hide under beds or in closets
5. Seal the bottom of the door with blankets or clothing to keep the smoke out

• Exits should never be blocked.
• Have and know a fire escape plan.

Types of smoke:

• Wet Smoke- Plastics and Rubbers= Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.
• Dry Smoke- Paper and Wood= Fast burning, high temperatures,
• Protein Fire Residue- Produced by evaporation of materials rather than from a fire. Discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

How should a fire damage be cleaned up? Call SERVPRO!

If a house sustains a fire, it is important that you get the proper clean up so the soot, ash and water do not wreak havoc on what is left. It is bad enough there was a fire, but the water and chemicals used to put the fire out can cause secondary damage.

The average person will attempt conventional cleaning methods like renting a steam cleaner and using common cleaning agents from the store. This could cause more damage, as the chemical agents could react with the residue and cause more or even permanent damage and also toxic fumes.

Our crews are IICRC certified to handle these types of clean ups. 

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

Call SERVPRO Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603-298-6942 with any questions. We are available 24 hours a day!

MOLD IN YOUR HOME?

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO Help!

Mold can grow under multiple conditions present in our buildings every day.  Moisture, however, is the foremost factor that causes mold growth.  Mold spores live and grow through moisture and high levels of humidity. If these conditions are not addressed immediately - within 48 hours, mold will continue to return. These fungi can also produce a musty odor. We specialize in water and mold mitigation and restoration. Our advanced mold remediation equipment and restoration processes help to detect and handle the source of the water problem. 

Each mold infestation requires a particular solution. Our highly trained professionals use an exacting system of inspection, assessment, containment, air filtration, removing mold infested materials, disinfecting, and cleaning your belongings.  We can perform various types of minor and major repairs. To save our customers stress, time and costs expense, SERVPRO can handle the entire mold remediation service. We can handle the initial damage mitigation and the rebuilding, including sanitizing and deodorizing of all affected areas. Our AMRT, Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians, are IICRC CERTIFIED, with advanced corporate and franchise training. We are also experienced in dealing with your insurance company, and we can assist you in these matters if applicable. We can even assist you with your paperwork for your claim.

Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton with any questions that you may have. We are available with 24-hour emergency service – including holidays. We are locally owned and operated, which means when you call us, we can respond quickly with the help that you need. Don't try to tackle a mold situation yourself call the pros at SERVPRO. (603) 298-6942.

IMPROVE YOUR AIR QUALITY!

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

Duct Cleaning Can Help!

The ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, but you can help change that! Inspecting the ductwork in your facility or home should be a high priority.  In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

A routine part of your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional’s service is inspecting the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life-span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help save you money. Duct cleaning may not always be necessary. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This inspection can help save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

For more information on duct cleaning or to schedule an appointment contact SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942

IS YOUR BUSINESS PREPARED?

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

ERP

Take Action!

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, as many as one in four businesses that suffer some kind of major disaster do not reopen afterward. It’s true, overcoming a major loss is extremely difficult, but with the right restoration company and team on your side, working hand-in-hand with your insurance company, the chance of your Upper Valley Company surviving is pretty high!

Depending on the size of the fire, and the amount of damage, some businesses that have come to SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton for help have reopened just days after the fire happened. Thanks to innovations in smoke odor removal, fire damage restoration, and cleaning in general, it is possible for crews to start work nearly immediately after the fire department clears the scene, and have things back up and running in no time. Although, again, that all depends on the severity of the fire. But no matter the severity, recovery is possible!

Take Action before a disaster happens to your business with SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton FREE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAM.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are "Ready for whatever happens."

To learn more call 603.298.6942

PUFF BACK!

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

Soot Webs

Puff Back!

 Puff backs are explosions that occur when oil-burning furnaces don't ignite properly due to system oil leaks, clogs or other problems. If a furnace connects to a forced-air system, the soot and smoke from a puff back is distributed through the duct system to every room it serves. It contaminates the air and leaves a grimy, sticky residue on virtually every exposed surface. A puff back creates an overwhelming mess, and if it's not cleaned promptly and properly, it can cause permanent damage to a home's contents and serious health problems for those who live there. 

It's almost impossible for a non-professional to fully restore the environment after a puff back. Most common cleaning methods and products are ineffective, and those who try to use them may find that they only make things worse. For example, vacuuming drives soot deeper into carpeting and upholstery, and this often causes permanent stains. Without professional cleaning and restoration, residual soot can cause corrosion on metal fixtures and even electronic devices throughout the home. 

Without the proper equipment and personal protection devices, exposure to the tiny, oil-based particles can result in a variety of potential respiratory illnesses, skin or eye irritation, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Long-term exposure caused by inadequate cleaning after a puff back may result in an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular problems.

Fortunately, cleaning companies that specialize in smoke and fire restoration, such as SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton have the IICRC training, knowledge and expertise to handle puff back clean-ups in a safe and effective way. Professional cleaning guards homeowners against exposure to toxic substances and restores their home's contents without causing further damage. Hiring a professional cleaning company such as SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton also reduces liability if a puff back occurs in a commercial building. Whether a puff back disaster affects a home or a business, professional intervention reduces loss and ensures the best possible outcome.

To learn more about our fire damage clean-up process click here.

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

AVOID WATER DAMAGE FROM ROOF LEAKS!

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

• Have a professional roofing company inspect your roof if it is aging. Identify concerns such as dislodged, missing or curling shingles. These are signs of a compromised roof that may be susceptible to leaking and winter water damage.
• Monitor the trees surrounding your property. Icy branches or ones bogged down by heavy snow are a damage risk to your roof and property.
• Don’t let anyone clear your roof from snow. We witnessed many fly-by-night “companies” damage roofs while trying to clear the roofs of ice dams and snow. Hire a company that are professional, established and properly insured.

Winter Water Damage Summary

Frozen pipes, ice dams and roof leaks are the leading causes of winter water damage in New England. Following the tips listed here should help avoid the need for costly water damage repairs. In the event of a winter water damage emergency, know that there are professionals available to help.  SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton specializes in helping families and business recover from property disaster. This includes water damage from leaking roofs and burst pipes. SERVPRO of Lebanon/Littleton/Hanover works with all local and national insurance companies and specializes in property damage claims. 

To learn more about what to do until SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton help arrives click here.

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

Fires Happen, Even in the Colder Weather

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

Fires don’t just happen in hot weather. They can happen anytime, even in the winter months.  The first 24-48 hours can make all the difference between restoring and replacing. Responding quickly, with the right tools and equipment, we can get your business back up and running or back into your home as quickly as possible.

Here are 5 of the most common Fire causes in the winter months:

• Candles- Keep candles away from flammable objects. Careless candle placement is the leading cause of fires in the US.
• Space Heaters- Just like candles, space heater fires are common. Most due to clothing, curtains, or other flammable objects placed too close to the heaters. Need to keep flammable objects AT LEAST 3 feet from heaters.
• Fire Places- Always make sure to put out the fire before you leave your home or go to bed at night. Always keep a watchful eye while gas or logs are burning.
• Over-worked Electrical Outlets- Heating appliances require a large amount of electricity. You should only have 1 heating appliance plugged in to an electrical outlet at a time.
• NON Working Smoke Detectors- Smoke detectors are your biggest and fastest help in a fire! Be sure to check your smoke detectors. They need to be fully functioning and have fresh batteries for winter months. Batteries should be changed at least TWICE a year. Daylight savings time is a good way to remember to change your batteries. However, your smoke detectors should be tested once a month, and replaced every 7-10 years.

What to do in the case of a fire:

• Try not to panic
• Tell everyone in the house
• Have a pre-planned exit plan, use it as safely and as quickly as possible
• Smoke rises, so stay low or crawl. The air is cleaner and will be easier to breathe
• Do not try to gather possessions or valuables
• If it is possible, close the door to where the fire is, and close each door as you leave the room. This will help slow the spread of the fire.
• Be careful when you have to open a door, tap quickly or touch with the back of your hand. If the knob is hot, DO NOT OPEN IT, good chance fire is on the other side
• Do not go back into the building
• Find a safe place near the building and wait for help to arrive
• Do NOT go back in to the building

 6 Things you need to do after a fire:

• Call your insurance company immediately
• Ask about restoration companies, like SERVPRO, that can help with the cleaning, boarding windows and other construction.
• When it is safe to re-enter your home, separate damaged items from undamaged
• Save undamaged property and items from further destruction.
• Cooperate FULLY with the insurance companies investigation
• Find somewhere to stay if you cannot stay in your home safely

If you should fall victim to the unfortunate event of a fire call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942

To learn more about our fire clean up services Click Here

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

Broken Water Pipes

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

Here in New Hampshire and Vermont we are, or should be used to the fluctuating temperatures.

During extreme cold, which we have recently experienced much of, water freezes. Even water in your pipes throughout your home. When water freezes, it expands, which builds pressure. When the pressure is to great, the pip will burst, causing water to go everywhere!!

Here are a few tips on keeping pipes thawed in during the cold weather:

• Letting faucets drip. Although it may not stop pipes from freezing it will help the flow, which will help keep pipes from bursting.
• Store hoses inside, when possible.
• If you notice a frozen pipe, you can use a hair dryer, heating pad, hot wash clothes, or space heaters to help thaw them.

Here are 4 Signs that you have a frozen pipe:

• Temperature- water tends to freeze with temperatures 32 degrees and lower.
• Frost- If you can see frost on your pipes
• No water- If you have little or no water coming from a faucet, chances are your pipe is frozen.
• Smell- If there are odd odors coming from the faucet or the drain.

What can you do if your pipes burst:

• Shut off water- Make sure to shut water off from the main shut off, not just the location
• Electricity- Sometimes it is best if you shut off the electricity as well.
• Call a plumber
• Remove water-If you are able to, or call SERVPRO

Here at SERVPRO Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton we are certified to help, and make it "Like it never even happened." For more information Click here

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

POST-CONSTRUCTION CLEANING

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

There’s nothing quite like a finished construction or remodel project! After weeks or months of chaos and messes, your project is finally done and ready to show off. But wait, what about the DUST?

During the process of construction, whether it is a new home, or a remodel, basically every square inch of the home gets covered in a film of dust. If you’ve ever tried to clean up sheetrock duct or the fine sawdust left from the finish work, you know it’s easier to fit a square peg in a round hole. It seems impossible to sweep, wipe, or vacuum post construction dust without simple stirring it up and re-spreading. We have the solution!

With our specialized products and equipment, we can make that finished project shine;

• Air Scrubbers
• Hepa Vacs and filters
• Duct Cleaning Vacuum
• High Pressure Steam Clearers
• SERVPRO RBT Drywall Dust Remover, Amor Guard and Wall and All to name a few.

A good post-construction clean targets these areas;

• Outside of the structure
• Walls, windows and Ceilings
• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Counters, Cabinets and Drawers
• Bathrooms
• Floors

So when your project is complete and in need of dust busting, who you gonna call? 

SERVPRO!  

603.298.6942

To learn more about how SERVPRO can help in your cleaning needs click here

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

ICE DAMS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE!

12/12/2017 (Permalink)

As winter approaches, we all want to be prepared. What we never seem to prepare for is ice damming. What is ice damming? An ice dam is formed when you have a lot of heat loss through your roof, causing snow to melt and run down and freeze as it gets close to the edge of the roof. This can be seen by blocks of ice on the edge of a roof, or large icicles that hang from the roof. Simple enough to explain, however they can cause big damage.

When you get an ice dam, the snow that continues to melt will get trapped by the dam and have no place to go, and can then back up under the shingles causing a leak. Many roof leaks in the late winter/early spring are from ice dams.

To prevent ice dams, and of course the latter water damage, the first step is to limit the amount of heat loss through your roof. Making sure you are insulated well enough is key. You will then also want to rid of the snow on the bottom of the roof before it turns to ice. If you already see ice dams forming, you can try and cut through the ice to make channels for water to flow off the roof, or on warmer days use warm tap water to assist in melting, however, this is a temporary fix. 

If you happen to suffer a water damage caused by ice dams, call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

THIRD SIGN MOLD IS GROWING IN YOUR HOME AFTER A WATER DAMAGE!

12/12/2017 (Permalink)

mold

The third sign mold is growing in our home after a water damage is Discoloration Spreading on Drywall. Even if saturated drywall was removed after the flood, there is still a chance that mold is growing behind walls, in insulation, and throughout your HVAC system. If you find any areas of darkness or mold growth on your drywall, call your locally owned and operated  SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton immediately. We will be happy to help you determine the scope of mold infestation and come up with a mold remediation plan.

If you think you might have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942 in the Upper Valley and surrounding area, or 603.444.7900 for the Littleton surrounding areas. Our service technicians are trained in mold remediation and will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold growth. In the event mold is found, we can determine the best route for remediation.

SERVPRO CARES

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton cares about proper restoration of your structure. In most water damage situations excessive mold growth is not a problem and SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton can safely restore your building to preloss condition. The need to address the presence of mold can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection.

To learn more about mold remediation click here

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

HOLIDAY FIRE SAFTEY!

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

Although the weather is colder, fires in the home are still a huge risk.

Its Christmas time, people are putting up decorations, lights, and Christmas trees.

Christmas trees cause approximately 200 home fires per year, which result in approximately 6 deaths, 16 injuries, and around $14.8 million in property damage.

Christmas decorations have caused approximately 840 home structural fires, 3which have resulted in about 2 deaths, 36 injuries and $11.4 million in damage. 

This doesn’t mean don’t decorate your home for the holidays, it just means, please be careful, and use the necessary precautions!

When decorating your home and tree this holiday season, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Examine all of your cords. Make sure there are no tears, and that all the prongs are intact.
• Do not overload extension cords, and if plugs call for 3 prong, get a 3 prong extension cord.
• Choose a tree with fresh, green, needles that do not fall off when touched.
• Place the tree at least 3ft away from any heat source, (EX: fireplace, radiators, heat vents, candles or lamps.)
• Do not block exits with tree.
• Make sure with a real tree you are watering it daily.
• When decorating, replace any bad cords or lights that are damaged.
• Make sure to turn off lights when leaving the home or going to bed.
• After Christmas, dispose of the tree properly.

We at SERVPRO, hope you have a Safe and Happy Holiday!

If you should fall victim to the unfortunate event of a fire call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942

To learn more about Fire Damage Clean-up click here.

COOK SAFELY!

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving

Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don't practice safe cooking habits, your happy holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the main cause for home fires and injuries, with Thanksgiving being the peak day for cooking related fires. Review the following safety tips to help ensure you enjoy a safe holiday.

COOK SAFELY!

• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on
• Keep flammable items such as pot holders, towels, food packaging; away from appliances and flame
• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease build up
• Keep a fire extinguisher, rated for all types of fire, in a handy location

If a Fire should occur in your home, call the Clean up Team at 603.298.6942

IT DOESN’T TAKE A LOT OF WATER TO CAUSE PROBLEMS!

10/23/2017 (Permalink)

IT DOESN’T TAKE A LOT OF WATER TO CAUSE PROBLEMS!

It doesn’t take a lot of water to cause tremendous damage. Just an inch or two can destroy carpets and dry wall, warp wood floors, damage building components.

Water damage can be caused by many things:

• Sump pumps
• Water heater failures
• Broken pipes
• Washing machine
• Dishwasher leaks
• Ice maker problems
• Flooding due to heavy rain
• Ground water seeping into the basement
• Natural disasters

Even after the water seems to disappear, excess moisture can hide in your floor coverings, foundation, wood structures and walls—causing major damage to your property and creating the perfect environment for mold and other fungi growth.

But if you catch it in time, you can ward off a lot of the damage and save money and headaches down the road. It’s important that water is quickly removed and the property dried, ventilated and disinfected to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew and other microorganisms that are harmful.

To learn more about what to do until SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton help arrives VISIT OUR TIPS PAGE.

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

ARE YOU READY?

10/18/2017 (Permalink)

ERP

50% The Percent of Businesses that may never reopen after suffering a disaster

As many as 50% of business close down following a disaster, according to the latest research.  Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are “Ready for whatever happens” speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

EMERGENCY READY PROFILE

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business can receive the benefit of over 45 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Are Your Ready?

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans for a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you Ready for whatever happens?”

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

SERVPRO - Ready Plan App Overview Video

FIRE SAFTEY!

10/18/2017 (Permalink)

Red Cross

What to do in a fire…..

House Fires

• Call 911
• If you suspect a fire, make sure everyone is out and safe, including pets.
• Once out of the residence, stay out.
• If you become trapped in a room, these steps are recommended:

1. Keep door closed. Opening the door will decrease your chance of survival.
2. Stay low to the floor. Smoke rises and fresher air remains lower to the ground.
3. Wait by the window and identify your distress.
4. Don’t hide under beds or in closets.
5. Seal the bottom of the door with blankets or clothing to keep smoke out.

Apartment Fires

• Residents may face two situations. The first is a fire in the apartment you live in. Second is a fire in someone else’s apartment. In either case, it is best to have a plan and know precisely how to respond.
• If there is a fire in your apartment, it is important to slow the fire spread by closing the doors behind you, so other people will have time to evacuate the building.
• Call 911 immediately, and then alert others in the building of the fire.
• Activate the fire alarm if there is one.
• Identify two exits out of your apartment, and make them known to other family members.

Multi-Story Building Fires

• Do not use elevator.
• Find evacuation signs in the stairwell landing that will give you information.
• Fire doors in the halls should never be blocked for any reason.

American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign Video

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp #AmericanRedCross

SECOND SIGN MOLD IS GROWING IN YOUR HOME AFTER A WATER DAMAGE!

10/17/2017 (Permalink)

mold

SECOND SIGN MOLD IS GROWING IN YOUR HOME AFTER A WATER DAMAGE!

The second sign mold is growing in your home after a water damage. Persistent/Stubborn Mold in Grout.  As we all know, mold and mildew grow quickly in the bathrooms of our homes, particularly in shower grout and joints between the floor and bathtub. But if you notice dark discolorations and mold that reappear even after cleaning with bleach, you may have a serious mold infestation elsewhere in your home. Mold spores are carried through the air, and mold seeks out areas that will allow it to grow and flourish, particularly bathrooms.

Water damage may have contaminated your crawl space, basement, or HVAC system and duct work, spreading spores every time you turn on your system. It is imperative that you call in a professional water damage cleanup team to evaluate your home for mold infestations.

If you think you might have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942 in the Upper Valley and surrounding area, or 603.444.7900 for the Littleton surrounding areas. Our service technicians are trained in mold remediation and will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold growth. In the event mold is found, we can determine the best route for remediation.

SERVPRO CARES

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton cares about proper restoration of your structure. In most water damage situations excessive mold growth is not a problem and SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton can safely restore your building to preloss condition. The need to address the presence of mold can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection.

 Click here to watch a short video about mold

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

FIGHT FIRE THIS FALL

10/11/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Extinguisher

Fight fire Safely

A fire extinguisher can be a life saving tool when used correctly. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends individuals are properly trained in order to use and maintain an extinguisher. USFA says an extinguisher should only be used if:

• You have alerted other occupants and someone has called the fire department;
• The fire is small and contained to a single object, such as a wastebasket;
• You are safe from toxic smoke produced by the fire;
• You have a means of escape identified and the fire is not between you and the escape route; and
• Your instincts tell you that is is safe to use an extinguisher.

Choosing the Proper Fire Extinguisher for Your Needs

Class A: For use with fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and many plastics.

Class B: Used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline and oil.

Class C: Suitable for use on fires involving appliances, tools or other equipment that is electrically energized or plugged in.

Class D: For use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question. These are typically found only in factories working with these metals.

Class K: For use on fires involving vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. These extinguishers are generally found in commercial kitchens, but are becoming more popular in the residential market.

Watch a short fire video here

For more information call us at 603.298.6942 or email us at miperez@nhvt.net

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

Thunderstorms in New Hampshire

9/20/2017 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms

Today’s Topic is Thunderstorms!

Summer in NH brings those triple H days – hazy, hot, and humid! On days like those there’s nothing more welcome than the arrival of a late-afternoon thunderstorm, leaving in its wake cool, refreshing air, scrubbed clean of haze and pollution.

Thunderstorms need three things:

• Moisture—to form clouds and rain.
• Unstable Air—relatively warm air that can rise rapidly.
• Lift—fronts, sea breezes and mountains are capable of lifting air to help form thunderstorms.

More Facts about thunderstorms:

• Thunderstorms may occur singly, in clusters, or in lines.
• Some of the most severe occur when a single thunderstorm affects one location for an extended time.
• Thunderstorms typically produce heavy rain for a brief period, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
• Warm, humid conditions are highly favorable for thunderstorm development.
• About 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe—one that produces hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher, or produces a tornado.

To learn more about how Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration click here.

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

RESTORING YOUR BUSINESS

9/20/2017 (Permalink)

RESTORING YOUR BUSINESS AFTER A WATER DAMAGE!

Flooding, storms, broken or frozen pipes, sprinkler system mishaps, can all cause numerous issues that require knowledgeable and quick response. We understand that every minute spent mitigating a loss is a minute of lost revenue and productivity.  Our IICRC certified technicians are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns, we work quickly to assess each situation and isolate the damaged area.  SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton strive to fully restore the damaged area as quickly as possible, to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.

If your business happens to suffer any intrusion of water, call the professionals of SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton.  Rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and tools to fully restore your facility.

To learn more about what to do until SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton help arrives click here

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

FLASH FLOODING!

9/6/2017 (Permalink)

What is Flash Flooding?

A flash flood is a rapid flooding of geomorphic low-lying areas: washes, rivers, dry lakes and basins. It may be caused by heavy rain associated with a severe thunderstorm, hurricane, tropical storm, or meltwater from ice or snow flowing over ice sheets or snowfield.

During A Storm or Heavy Rains:

Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

• Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.

Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.

• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 603.298.6942

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp #SERVPROCares

To learn more about storm clean up and response click here

MICROBURSTS!

9/6/2017 (Permalink)

Microbursts

Microbursts What Are They?

Dennis Mersereau explains

Microbursts, also called "downbursts," are a sudden downward burst of wind from the base of a thunderstorm. The air can rush towards the ground at speeds of 60 MPH before impacting the surface and spreading out in all directions. Winds at the surface can exceed 100 MPH in the strongest microbursts, often causing extensive tree and building damage.

As the name suggests, microbursts tend to affect a small area, no larger than a few square miles in most cases. The intense damage these wind events leave behind can cause residents to think they had a tornado. While weak tornadoes and microbursts can produce similar amounts of damage, there is a marked swirl in tornado debris on the ground when viewed from above, while microbursts produce damage in a starburst pattern, with straight-line winds radiating away from the point of impact.

Two Types of Microbursts

There are two types of microbursts—dry microbursts and wet microbursts—each native to certain parts of the United States.

Dry Microbursts

Drier climates, such as Denver, experience dry microbursts. Dry microbursts hit the ground without any precipitation, making them virtually impossible to see unless they kick up dust and dirt at the surface. Dry air entrainment is basically the only process driving these wind events.

Wet Microbursts

East of the Rockies, especially in the southeastern United States, wet microbursts are dominant. Wet microbursts form from both dry air entrainment (causing cold air to sink towards the ground) and water loading (weight of the rain dragging the air). Seen from a distance, wet microbursts look like an upside-down mushroom cloud—a narrow rainshaft extending from the cloud to the ground, with a large burst of wind-driven water and dirt puffing away from the point of impact at the surface.

To learn more about how Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration click here.

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

First Sign Mold is Growing in Your Home!

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

mold

FIRST SIGN MOLD IS GROWING IN YOUR HOME AFTER A WATER DAMAGE!

The first sign mold is growing in your home after a water damage. Mildew Smell.  Mildew in bathrooms and basements is not uncommon in our area. The heat and high humidity make the Upper Valley area an ideal haven for mildew and mold growth.  The difference after a flood or significant water damage is that this growth spreads to other areas of the home. If at the end of the day you return home to even a slight aroma of mildew, chances are mold is starting to take root. The time to act is now. Frequently, SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton team is called to a recently water-damaged home only to find that proper cleaning, dehumidifying, and drying was not completed prior to rebuilding. This often leads to the quick development of a serious mold infestation. 

Since we can quickly become desensitized to the smell of mildew, it is wise to close up your home for a day without the air conditioner running, and then walk through inspecting for suspicious odors. At the first sign of mold or mildew, contact SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton so we can conduct a thorough investigation and fix the source of the smell.

If you think you might have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942 in the Upper Valley and surrounding area, or 603.444.7900 for the Littleton surrounding areas. Our service technicians are trained in mold remediation and will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold growth. In the event mold is found, we can determine the best route for remediation.

SERVPRO CARES

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton cares about proper restoration of your structure. In most water damage situations excessive mold growth is not a problem and SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton can safely restore your building to preloss condition. The need to address the presence of mold can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection.

To learn more about mold remediation click here

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

Take Precautions

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

mold

Take Precautions

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professionals handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time. If your property has sustained a recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold
• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth
• Excessive humidity

If you think you might have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942 in the Upper Valley and surrounding area, or 603.444.7900 for the Littleton surrounding areas. Our service technicians are trained in mold remediation and will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold growth. In the event mold is found, we can determine the best route for remediation.

SERVPRO CARES

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton cares about proper restoration of your structure. In most water damage situations excessive mold growth is not a problem and SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton can safely restore your building to preloss condition. The need to address the presence of mold can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection.

To learn more about mold remediation click here.

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

What if your home suffers storm damage?

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

Storm

If Your Home Suffers Damage!

Weather in the Northeast can be unpredictable!

•   Rain isn’t the only thing leaving its mark on our homes. Storms are still whipping through our towns and communities causing power outages and home damage. According to the National Storm Damage Center (NSDC), damage caused by trees during severe weather account for over $1 billion in property damage. Broken limbs or trees can cause mass amounts of damage to your property if they make contact. Such damage can be done to roofing, siding, windows and even structure to the home, causing lots of expensive repairs. Unfortunately there is no way to stop the unpredictable weather, but there are ways to prevent damage from happening to your home.
• Start by assessing trees close to your home. A lot of loose hanging or broken limbs should be addressed to prevent possible damage to your home or vehicles. Saving trees is important for the environment, but keeping your home and family safe is even more important. However, if a damaged tree is within reach of causing damage to you or your home, it’s better to be safe than sorry.  

To find out more about SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton Storm Damage Services click here.

• Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 603.298.6942

FLOODED BASEMENT IN THE UPPER VALLEY!!

8/14/2017 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement

HELP!
My basement is flooded.

What are some of the things SERVPRO can do when I have a flood in my basement?

Flooded Basement Dry Out:

•Pump Deep Water

•Carpet Water Removal

•Moisture Test Walls

•Set up Drying Equipment

•Apply Antimicrobials

•Test Drying Complete

Even if you have an unfinished basement, leaving water or moisture can cause damage to the rest of the structure. Imagine the condensation that could happen when it’s 90* outside. The concrete or cement blocks used to construct basements are susceptible to mold growth as well as odor. Imagine all of the exposed framing. Framing lumber does and will absorb moisture and thus, grow mold. The metal framing ties may not be porous for mold growth but they will corrode. How about the plumbing and wiring? Again, any metal parts can and probably will corrode with excess moisture in the air. The insulation! Perfect for mold growth.

Our highly trained technicians are ready to respond immediately to flood or water damage at your property. We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to find the water and remove it as quickly as possible. Our technicians will monitor and document the drying process to ensure your property is back to normal.

To find out more about SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton Water Damage Services Click Here.

SERVICE RESPONSE GUIDELINES

8/7/2017 (Permalink)

Soot Damage

Working to make fire damage,"Like it never even happened."

Fire damage in a business can be stressful for owners, property managers, employees and tenants. Property damage, equipment damage, document loss and temporary business closure are just some of the concerns you may experience. Timely response and thorough mitigation can alleviate these concerns.

The first 24 hours can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your business property and belongings. SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines can prevent fire damage from creating long term problems.

1 - Within 1 hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton Professional contacts you to arrange for services.

4 - Within 4 hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professional is on-site to start mitigation services.

8 - Within 8 business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope is communicated to the appropriate person.

**Exceptions may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today - (603) 298-6942

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

COMMERCIAL/LARGE LOSS RESTORATION

8/7/2017 (Permalink)

This term refers to commercial buildings, schools, nursing homes, multi-unit buildings and can even mean residential property if it is of a usually large size. It includes events such as fire, smoke, burst pipes, heating unit puff-backs, biological occurrences such as bodily fluids, sewer back-ups mold/growth infestation; odor problems and even animal invasions or inhabitants.

Commercial/Large Loss Restoration Services Include:

• Securing the building/facility

• Temporary utility services (Power, Lights, Heating, Plumbing)

• Debris removal

• Complete or partial pack-out of electronics, belongings, documents, equipment, etc. as required

• Water extraction and drying/dehumidification

• Structure and content cleaning

• Deodorization, disinfection, and odor removal

• Repairs and reconstruction

Restoration Process:

Once the emergency is dealt with; damaged materials removed, content protected, packed and stowed and the drying equipment installed, we move onto the restoration phase. This is where we work with insurance adjusters, specialty tradespeople, owners, and property managers to identify the necessary repairs, develop a scope of work and estimate the costs.

Estimating Process:

The estimating process is actually a fairly smooth process because SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton, Insurance adjusters and many tradespeople use the industry standard software, Xactimate, which provides pricing, calculating formulas and concise descriptions that define the materials and services with each line item. This insures everyone is "comparing apples to apples".

Because time is critical in protection materials and content, you want to hire a company that is experienced, knowledgeable and equipped to do necessary work. Quickly and correctly. Thus, getting your company/facility/business back up and running with the least interruption.

That company is SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton

To find out more about SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton Commercial/Large Loss Services click here

When Storms or Floods hit our Communities SERVPRO is READY!

7/10/2017 (Permalink)

Storm Truck

When Storms or Floods Hit

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Our Communities, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel form a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 603.298.6942

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp #SERVPROCares

To learn more about storm clean up and response click here

WHATS LURKING IN YOUR DUCTS?

7/10/2017 (Permalink)

Duct

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your office building.

Estimates made by the World Health Organization say that poor indoor air quality cost $60 Billion in employee sick leave and lost production.

Part of your responsibility to the tenants, workers, and/or students who work and play in your buildings includes proper maintenance and prompt response to any situation that could cause illness or health concerns.

WE CAN HELP!

Remediate bacteria, fungi and mold

Reduce potential for mold growth

Restore peak energy efficiency

Eliminate offensive odors

DUCT CLEANING MAY NOT BE NECESSARY!

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations anout the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This inspection can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

In some circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition.

To schedule a duct cleaning call 603.298.6942

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

Be prepared with the SERVPRO Emergency Response Program

7/10/2017 (Permalink)

ERP

Be Prepared with the SERVPRO Emergency Readiness Program

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are “Ready for whatever happens”

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency Readiness Profile, can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.

Disasters and emergencies always strike without warning. Preparation is an important key for making it through any size disasters. It is best to plan ahead before any disasters strikes.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are "Ready for whatever happens."

In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations and priority areas. The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future. By downloading the free SERVPRO Ready App, this information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your mobile device, making help just a few clicks away.

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster. Don't wait until disaster strikes.

Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942 to establish your Emergency READY Profile, and be "Ready for whatever happens" in your future.

#SERVPROoflebanonhanoverlittleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

What to do when a fire strikes!

6/8/2017 (Permalink)

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

When fire strikes..Fight back!

A catastrophic event doesn't knock on your door first; Rebuilding your life AFTER A FIRE comes with uncertainty, stress and doubt about the future of your property.

Flames cause damage, ash, soot and smoke residue.

There are many types of smoke.

Wet Smoke - Plastics and Rubbers                                               Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry smoke - Paper and Wood                                                           Fast burning, high temptures, heat rises therefore the smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue- Produced by evaporation of materials rather than from a Fire.                                                                       Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

From a little fire to a total loss SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professionals will beable to help you in the unfortunate event that your home or business gets ravaged by fire.

The most important thing to remember AFTER A FIRE in your home or business is to contact SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/littleton 603.298.6942

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

SOME TRUTH ABOUT MOLD!!

6/5/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Loss

FACTS!

• Mold or mold spores can be found virtually everywhere. There is no practical way to eliminate    all mold and mold spores. You can, however, control growth by controlling moisture.
• Mold will begin to grow 24-48 hours after material becomes moist so call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton AS SOON AS your water loss is discovered!
• Optimum indoor humidity is 30-60%          
• Ways to facilitate optimum humidity level: Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
• Increasing ventilation Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
• If you see mold on hard surfaces; clean with water and detergent and dry thoroughly.  
• If mold contaminates a porous material, the item often needs to be removed and discarded. If the material is deemed salvageable, it must be completely dried, properly and thoroughly cleaned and sealed to ensure removal/encapsulation of the contaminant.

To Learn more about Mold Remediation click here.

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SMALL DISASTER!

6/5/2017 (Permalink)

Small Water loss! #SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton will occasionally receive calls from customers with concern and worry about possible mold growth.  Upon inspection it will be noted that they had a small water leak "some time ago" that they chose to try and mitigate themselves.

With any leak it's the water you don't see that can cause the most damage!

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professionals are trained to safely clean and restore homes and businesses utilizing the following procedures:

•Identify the Source/Type of water

•Measure temperature and humidity for drying analysis

•Survey the extent of damage and inspect the premises for hidden moisture

•Perform emergency water extraction

•Move and block furniture and contents

•Inspect carpet pad/carpet and provide service

•Apply necessary treatments (Disinfectants/Deodorization)

•Utilize advanced drying and monitoring equipment

•Dispose of Refuse

There is NO Such Thing as a SMALL DISASTER!

Especially when a small leak now could blossom into a large claim later.  Unseen water can soak through walls, seep through carpet and pool on subfloors, causing major problems over time. Instead of trusting intrained eyes, help ensure the value of your property by calling SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton professionals have the equipment, training, and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages set in.  

To help SMALL LEAKS from becoming BIG PROBLEMS, call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

SUMMER SAFTEY TIPS!

6/5/2017 (Permalink)

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

Celebrate Summer Safely!

The summer season should be a time to make memories and enjoy the great outdoors.

The following tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association, will help keep you safe all summer long.

•When using a charcoal grill, ONLY USE starter fluids designed for the barbecue grills: DO NOT add fluid after coals have been lit.

•When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connections are tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely revel any leaks.

•Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD (personal flotation device) when boating, jet-skiing, tubing or water skiing. Air-filled swimming aids, like water wings or inner tubes, are not substitutes for approved PFDs. An adult should always supervise children using these devices.

•Be sure to extinguish all smoking materials and shut down motors and heating devices before fueling a boat. In case of a spill, wipe up fuel and check for fuel leakage and odors.

•When camping, always use a flame retardant tent and set up camp far away from the campfire. Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent, not liquid-filled heaters or lanterns.

•Always build a campfire down wind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your campfire. Always extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. To extinguish, pour water over the fire, and/or cover with dirt.

•Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire, and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.

•Consider leaving firework use to a trained professional. Stay back at least 500 feet from professional fireworks displays.

If you should fall victim to the unfortunate event of a fire call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942

To learn more about our fire damage clean-up process click here

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

Winter is approaching fast! Prevent Storm Damage today!

2/27/2017 (Permalink)

What You Need to Know About Preventing Winter Storm Damage

We all love a snow day!! But the reality is that major winter storms can wreak havoc in our everyday lives, causing inconvenience, discomfort and expensive damage. Keep your home protected from these disruptions by following these tips.

• Keep gutters clear
• This keeps ice from building up in the gutters and contributing to the formation of ice dams, which may cause water to back up underneath shingles.
• Trim trees and shrubs back far enough so that they will not rub against or fall onto your roof or siding, even if weighed down with snow and ice. Remember, safety first. Call a professional if you need help.
•  Inspect the roof
• Keep an eye out for damaged shingles and roof flashing that can allow water and ice into your home.
• Ventilate the attic and insulate the attic floor to stop warm air in the house from melting snow and ice on the roof.
•  Check your Chimney
• Wind and heavy rains can lead to a leaky chimney and related water damage. Be sure your chimney has a chimney cap installed, and have the brick and mortar inspected periodically.
• The freeze/thaw cycle will eventually cause cracks.
• If your chimney is leaning, Get it repaired.
• Invest in a roof rake 
• If large amounts of snow accumulate on your roof, consider using a roof rake to remove some of the load that can cause leaks and even lead to collapse. 
• Check for loose or missing shingles.
• Insulate pipes
•  Look for exposed water supply lines that are located in unheated areas and exterior walls. Wrap them with an insulating pipe sleeve or heat tape to stop the pipes from freezing and bursting in very cold weather.
• Let water trickle from faucets connected to exposed pipes that run through unheated spaces to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air circulation around the pipes.
• Find the main water valve
• Know where the main water valve is located (typically in the basement or outside near the curb) so you can turn water off quickly if a pipe bursts.
• Keep walkways clear
•  Ensure personal safety after a storm hits by clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, steps and driveways. Treat these surfaces with rock salt or deicing products.

To learn more about Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration Click here!

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

GOT MOLD!

2/20/2017 (Permalink)

Got Mold?

Mold can grow under multiple conditions present in our buildings every day.  Moisture, however, is the foremost factor that causes mold growth.  Mold spores live and grow through moisture and high levels of humidity. If these conditions are not addressed immediately - within 48 hours, mold will continue to return. These fungi can also produce a musty odor. We specialize in water and mold mitigation and restoration. Our advanced mold remediation equipment and restoration processes help to detect and handle the source of the water problem. 

Each mold infestation requires a particular solution. Our highly trained professionals use an exacting system of inspection, assessment, containment, air filtration, removing mold infested materials, disinfecting, and cleaning your belongings.  We can perform various types of minor and major repairs. To save our customers stress, time and costs expense, SERVPRO can handle the entire mold remediation service. We can handle the initial damage mitigation and the rebuilding, including sanitizing and deodorizing of all affected areas. Our AMRT, Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians, are IICRC certified, with advanced corporate and franchise training. We are also experienced in dealing with your insurance company, and we can assist you in these matters if applicable. We can even assist you with your paperwork for your claim.

Call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton with any questions that you may have. We are available with 24-hour emergency service – including holidays. We are locally owned and operated, which means when you call us, we can respond quickly with the help that you need. Don't try to tackle a mold situation yourself call the pros at SERVPRO. (603) 298-6942.

WHEN DO YOU NEED FIRE RESTORATION SERVICES?

1/24/2017 (Permalink)

IICRC

How Should Fire Damage Cleanup Be Handled

If a house sustains fire damage, proper cleanup is crucial as the ash, soot and water will wreak havoc on what remains.  It’s bad enough there was a fire, but the water and chemicals used to extinguish it can cause secondary damage.  The remnants will continue to do damage long after the flames are extinguished.

The average person will attempt conventional cleaning methods like renting a steam cleaner and using common cleaning agents available at the store.  Unfortunately, this will barely make an impact on the problem and could cause bigger issues.  Chemical agents could react with the residue and cause permanent damage, and in some cases, they may cause toxic fumes.  Fire damage cleanup is one of the most difficult jobs out there, and it should be left to a professional for the best results.

When selecting a firm that does the restoration, consider what type of training they have. Do they have health and safety certifications? Are they experienced in a wide range of repair? Do they have proof of proper insurance and licenses?  The company that has the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) fire and smoke restoration Certified Firm meets all of these expectations and conditions. An IICRC-certified firm understands the need for a quick response.  Immediate action is necessary because the longer the delay, the harder and more costly the job will be as reactions within the damaged material can continue to occur. The fire may be gone, but the ash, soot and smoke odors that remain can continue to do harm.  Certified firms will use their knowledge of fire restoration to accurately test the damage and apply the proper repair techniques to bring the items back to pre-loss condition when possible.

Also, when hiring an IICRC certified firm you can be sure that they are up to date with the latest technologies and techniques. In order for these firms to keep their certification, they are required to take continuing education programs.  So when confronted with fire damage cleanup, choose an IICRC-certified professional.

To learn more about our fire damage clean-up process click here

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

THIRD SIGN MOLD IS GROWING IN YOUR HOME AFTER A WATER DAMAGE!

1/24/2017 (Permalink)

mold

THIRD SIGN MOLD IS GROWING IN YOUR HOME AFTER A WATER DAMAGE!

The third sign mold is growing in our home after a water damage is Discoloration Spreading on Drywall. Even if saturated drywall was removed after the flood, there is still a chance that mold is growing behind walls, in insulation, and throughout your HVAC system. If you find any areas of darkness or mold growth on your drywall, call your locally owned and operated  SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton immediately. We will be happy to help you determine the scope of mold infestation and come up with a mold remediation plan. 

If you think you might have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton at 603.298.6942 in the Upper Valley and surrounding area, or 603.444.7900 for the Littleton surrounding areas. Our service technicians are trained in mold remediation and will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold growth. In the event mold is found, we can determine the best route for remediation.

SERVPRO CARES

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton cares about proper restoration of your structure. In most water damage situations excessive mold growth is not a problem and SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton can safely restore your building to pre-loss condition. The need to address the presence of mold can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection.

To learn more about mold remediation click here.

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

WINTER WATER DAMAGE TIPS!

1/24/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

WINTER WATER DAMAGE TIPS!

New England winters can be harsh. We witnessed this first hand in 2015 where record cold and snowfall pummeled the majority of the Upper Valley. You know it was a tough winter when “ice dams” and “frozen pipes” become a mainstream topic of discussion around the office water cooler. Nevertheless, we hardy New Englanders persevere despite the winter circumstances. With that said, we also think it wise to be a little more prepared for what may lay ahead.

Winter water damage and insurance claims go hand-in-hand. According to the Insurance Information Institute winter storms in the United States caused $1.9 billion in insurance losses in 2013. In 2014, the number expanded to $2.3 billion, and even higher in 2015. What does this mean for residents in New England? Harsh storms and winter water damage are not going away. Below are a few tips to help prevent and deal with property damages during the coldest season of the year.

Prevent Water Damage from Frozen Pipes

• Know where your water main shut off valve is
• Properly insulate pipes that have exposure to cold environments in your home, such as crawl space
• Maintain adequate interior temperatures in the property.  Many sources recommend a minimum of 55-65 degrees. Remember pipes running in an exterior wall will have even a colder environment.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow for heat to circulate underneath.
• During extreme cold, open faucet slightly to allow for a slow drip.

Inhibit Water Damage from Ice Dams

• Maintain clean gutters.  Clogged gutters are more susceptible for ice accumulation that may creep up to the roof shingles.
• Safely and carefully clear snow from roof when possible with a snow rake and extension pole.
• Safely and carefully creat channels in exsisting ice dams for snow melt to run off.
• Have a professional energy audit of your home. This will help determine where the excessive heat loss is occurring.  The heat loss is one of the primary factors causing the ice dams.

To learn more about what to do until SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton help arrives click here

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

POST-CONSTRUCTION CLEANING

1/4/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

There’s nothing quite like a finished construction or remodel project! After weeks or months of chaos and messes, your project is finally done and ready to show off. But wait, what about the DUST?

During the process of construction, whether it is a new home, or a remodel, basically every square inch of the home gets covered in a film of dust. If you’ve ever tried to clean up sheetrock duct or the fine sawdust left from the finish work, you know it’s easier to fit a square peg in a round hole. It seems impossible to sweep, wipe, or vacuum post construction dust without simple stirring it up and re-spreading. We have the solution!

With our specialized products and equipment, we can make that finished project shine;

• Air Scrubbers
• Hepa Vacs and filters
• Duct Cleaning Vacuum
• High Pressure Steam Clearers
• SERVPRO RBT Drywall Dust Remover, Amor Guard and Wall and All to name a few.

A good post-construction clean targets these areas;

• Outside of the structure
• Walls, windows and Ceilings
• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Counters, Cabinets and Drawers
• Bathrooms
• Floors

So when your project is complete and in need of dust busting, who you gonna call? 

SERVPRO!  

603.298.6942

To learn more about how SERVPRO can help in your cleaning needs click here.

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

TOP 2 HOME FIRE HAZARDS.

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

It's house fire season: Here are the top 2 most common fire hazards in the home.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says there are more than 360,000 home structure fires each year, resulting in about $6-8 billion dollars in damage.

1. Candles

Safety tips:

• Never leave a candle burning near flammable items.
• Never leave a candle burning in a child’s room or an unoccupied room.
• Make sure candles fit securing into candle holders so they won’t tip over.
• Blow out any candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.

2. Smoking

Safety tips:

• If you smoke, consider smoking outside.
• Use wide, sturdy ashtrays to catch butts and ashes.
• Look for cigarette butts under furniture and between seat cushions to make sure no lit butts have fallen someplace where they can’t be seen.
• Don’t smoke in bed, when you’re tired or around medical oxygen.

To learn more about our fire damage clean-up process click here

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

WINTER IS CLOSER THAN WE THINK!

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

WINTER IS CLOSER THAN WE THINK!

Is your home and business prepared for winter storms and extreme cold?  If you’re like most of us, the answer is no, you’re not as prepared as you’d like to be.  These winter events can strike suddenly, at any time during the harsh New England winters.  To prepare for a winter storm you should remember the following:

Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:

• Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways.  Visit the EPA website for a complete list of recommended products. https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/products
• Sand to improve traction
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
• Sufficient heating fuel.  You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off.  
• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm
• Make a Family communication plan, your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another.
• Listen to your local/national weather radio/channel for critical information, Be alert to changing weather conditions
• Minimize travel, if travel is necessary, keep a disaster supply kit in your vehicle
• Remember your pets: Make sure you have plenty of supplies they may need as well

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

GREAT DAY FOR A 5K!

10/18/2016 (Permalink)

Team Photo

SERVPRO RUNS FOR CANCER!

On October 9^th 2016, Some of us here from SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton along with several of our friends from Baan Muay Thai Academy rallied to form TEAM SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton to take part in Harpoon Brewery 14^th Annual Octoberfest road race! 

As cold and wet as it was, Miguel Perez, Melanie Perez, Melissa Fisher, Brandi Smith, Adam Thatcher, and Ben Parsons took off running and accomplished our own personal run time goals!

We all had a fabulous time at this event and proud to take part in raising funds for Friends of Norris Cotton Cancer Center.  We look forward to taking part in this event next year!

Be sure to keep watch for future events SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton take part in!

JEREMY TIED THE KNOT!!!

10/12/2016 (Permalink)

September 17, 2016

Love is in the air!

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy LaChance!

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton recently celebrated the marriage of their longtime employee Jeremy to his beloved Lucy. It was a beautiful ceremony that we were all invited to share in. Much love and happiness to the newlyweds!

May each new day find your hearts a little closer, your lives a little fuller and your love a little deeper!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MARDIN FAMILY!

9/30/2016 (Permalink)

Mardin House

There is a new address in the SERVPRO family!

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton has another proud new Home Owner in our midst! Congratulations to Matt Mardin, his wife and their 5 children.

The Mardin family had been working very hard to get to this point and now has plenty of room to spread out. There’s lots of rooms to be filled and many touches to be added! They even have a large back yard, some woods, trails and access to the Indian River. Can you guess how many forts the 4 boys will have erected by this time next year?

We are so proud of Matt and Dawn and all they have accomplished!

Under this roof, may happiness abound.

May laughter and joy in every room be found.

May good health and wealth move in to stay.

And good friends and family always come your way!

2016 SERVPRO Benefit Lunch Cook-Out

8/22/2016 (Permalink)

SPONSORS

2016 SERVPRO Benefit Lunch Cook-out Was a Big Success.

On Thursday, August 18, 2016, SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton held their first fundraising BBQ to benefit American Legion Post 22. Post 22 supports the obvious big ticket things like Veteran support programs, youth leagues and activities, and the National Emergency Fund. They also support locally. They provide dozens of holiday gift baskets to families and are always raising funds for local families in need.

The afternoon was a great success!  There was a lot of support from local businesses that came to offer their support and join for us lunch!  

SERVPRO Of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton would love to send a BIG SHOUT OUT to Scott and Desire MacDonald with Scotts Lawn and Landscaping for donating their time, grill and fabulous cooking skills.

SERVPRO would also like to send a big THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to our event. Your contributions are GREATLY appreciated and will go a long way to help The American Legion Post 22.

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp #Post22 #AmericanLegion

2016 SERVPRO Benefit Lunch Cook-Out

8/1/2016 (Permalink)

2016 SERVPRO Benefit Lunch Cook-Out

2016 SERVPRO Benefit Cook-Out!!

On August 18, 2016 SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is putting on a cook-out lunch to raise funds to donate to our local American Legion. I don't know much about the other chapters but I know the American Legion Post 22 chapter is a huge supporter of Veterans, of course, but also of the community.

Post 22 supports the obvious big ticket things like Veteran support programs, youth leagues and activities, and the Nation Emergency Fund. They also support locally. They provide dozens of holiday gift baskets to families and are always raising funds for local families in need.

In a Time of Need!

An employee of SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton was one of those families. A few years ago her 10 year old niece was diagnosed with cancer. It was a horrible year for her family, but not for the lack of support. Post 22 stepped right in and raised money for her brother and sister-in-law. No one in her family is a member of Post 22. Her brother and sister-in-law didn't even know any of the members prior to the dinner served in their honor. It simply wasn't important to this group of people. They saw a family struggling and extend a hand.

With all they do, we at SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton are very proud to contribute to this organization. One that supports us and our families. I'm not much of a gambler, but I'd bet there are similar stories within every American Legion Post.

Join us in supporting our American Legion Post 22 by having lunch with us. It's only 8$ and there will be many donated items to be raffled and bid on in a silent auction. If you are unable to attend and would like to donate please contact us by Clicking here

PS. On July 25th her niece celebrated her 14th birthday!!

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

NEWSPAPER MENTIONS SERVPRO

7/5/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton

‘Forever’ stigmatized 

The stigma “follows you around forever” — even after the meth house has been cleaned up and rendered safe for habitation, says Sullivan County Attorney Marc Hathaway, who has prosecuted several illicit drug lab cases over the years.

“The biggest [effect] is it devalues the property. One of the biggest impacts of meth labs is there is always a notice that has to be given,” Hathaway said.

In the interest of public safety, New Hampshire law requires that a property owner, real estate agent or broker make a full disclosure of prior drug activity, including meth labs, even though it could jeopardize a sale. 

“No, I don't think it is unfair at all. Our duty is to disclose, disclose, disclose,” says Roz Caplan, a real estate broker at Century 21 Highview Realty in Claremont. 

“It is important that potential buyers hear problems with properties they are looking at to make an informed judgement as to whether they wish to purchase by hearing the news from us rather than from a stranger or a neighbor after they have purchased,” Caplan said.

In many cases, the property owner is left having to pay to clean up a meth house in order to meet public health and safety standards. Costs can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

“There is no such thing as an average cost because the variables are too many,” says Crystal Moses, a spokesperson for SERVPRO of Lebanon/ Hanover/Littleton, which specialises in chemical and biohazard cleanup. 

“Size, type, condition of structure, degree of contamination, the number of different exploits resulting in different contaminates, outside weather conditions, inside environmental conditions, contents, wall covers — the list goes on and on,” Moses said.

However, there is no law in New Hampshire that specifically requires cleanup of meth labs or other “clandestine chemical laboratories.”

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have collaborated to produce written guidelines for property owners for the safe removal of drug-related contaminants.

Moses said that a house that has been exposed to methamphetamine requires extensive cleaning.

“The reason to thoroughly clean a structure that has been exposed to chemical activity is to reduce and hopefully eliminate the risk of exposure to toxins and the risk of combustion and fumes. Toxins can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed. The chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine and other drugs vary widely so you are usually dealing with unknown substances,” Moses said.

Moses said that unless a property owner is trained and properly equipped with protective gear, it is not safe to do the work on his or her own. The potential for disaster is “vast and the risks are many,” she said.

Once the property is released to the owner, a certified industrial hygienist will then go through the property to test for residual chemicals. 

“Unfortunately, drug use is becoming so commonplace. We frequently clean up drug paraphernalia and other biohazards left behind from illicit drug use. So far, knock on wood, meth labs are still fairly rare,” Moses said.

In 2014, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency recorded 11 meth lab incidents in New Hampshire — about half the number in 2013. Nationwide, there were 9,338 confirmed meth labs in 2014.

Claremont Police Chief Alex Scott said that at least six meth labs have been shut down in the city during the past 10 years. 

Most of the sites were low-budget labs using the “one pot” method of creating methamphetamine. The one pot method involves “cooking” the highly addictive drug in a single small container, he said.

“I think it is important to understand the portability of the one pot method,” Scott said.  

Members of the DEA Clandestine Lab Task Force are usually among the first to arrive on the scene of a raid of a suspected meth lab. The agents wear full protective gear to avoid contamination.

In one case that Hathaway recently prosecuted, the judge considered making the convicted meth lab “enabler” pay for the cleanup at 27 School St. as a condition of his sentence agreement. 

Hathaway was able to obtain a partial figure of the cleanup work that needed to be done, and it was nearly $10,000.

“We are very fortunate that [meth labs] are not more common than they are,” Hathaway said.

He added that the law provides for the convicted criminal to pay for the cleanup, although it is not mandatory. 

Practically speaking, he said, the convicted meth lab operator or helper doesn’t have the personal finances to contribute to the cleanup in whole or in part.

“You have a remedy but that remedy isn’t worth much in a practical way in many instances. It certainly is not fair to the property owner any more than the property owner is the victim of a burglary or vandalism,” Hathaway said.

Copyright 2011-2016 Eagle Times, All Rights Reserved

#SERVPROofLebanon/Hanover/Littleton #SERVPRO603 #HereToHelp

CONGRATULATIONS MELISSA!!

6/20/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton giving Melissa's new home some SERVPRO LOVE!!

A giant CONGRATULATIONS to SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton's Office Manager Melissa on the closing of her new home!! Melissa has been working on this sometimes daunting task for several months. This will be Melissa's first home purchase on her own and it is a very big deal. SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton is very proud and pleased for her. Melissa, her 2 daughters and 3 dogs will be moving in, lock stock and barrel this weekend. Hopefully, her friends and co-workers will be game for a beer, a burger from the grill and lugging a box or two!

As a new homeowner, Melissa will have her hands full. It may sound odd to some of us but she's never had to mow her lawn maintain the heating system, or even clean the gutters! SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton has no doubt she'll do awesome. If Melissa can keep all of us organized, on task, and ship shape, Melissa will have no troubles operating a lawnmower.

May your troubles be less, and your blessing be more. May nothing but health, wealth and happiness come through your door! CONGRATULATIONS MELISSA!